492 Waking Up

(Winona)

The first thing I feel is exhaustion-a bone-deep, crushing weight that makes it nearly impossible to move. My body aches everywhere, like I've been run over by a truck. My head pounds, and my throat feels dry, but I force my eyes open, blinking against the soft light.

"Mommy?" A small voice breaks through the fog, hesitant but hopeful.

I blink again, and there she is. Abby, her little face framed by messy pigtails, her big blue eyes filled with worry. "Abby," I rasp, my voice barely audible.

Her face lights up, and she leans in close, clutching the edge of the bed. "You're awake!" she exclaims, her voice trembling with relief. "I missed you so much, Mommy!"

I try to lift my hand, but it feels like lead. Instead, I manage a weak smile. "I missed you too, sweetie," I whisper.

"Alright, sweetheart, let's give Mommy a little space," Anne's calm voice comes from somewhere nearby. "Glad you're back with us, Winona."

Abby shakes her head fiercely. "No! I want to stay with Mommy!"

"It's okay," I say softly, trying to reassure her. "I just need a little rest. I'll be here when you come back."

Abby hesitates, her lip trembling, but Anne gently takes her hand, coaxing her away. "Come on, let's give your brothers and sister some Mom time too. Then we can come see her after the doctors have checked her, ok?" I catch sight of Sarah and Bobby hovering near the end of the bed.

Sarah clutches her sketchpad, her expression anxious, while Bobby looks like he's trying to be brave. "Mom?" he asks, his voice low. "Are you okay?"

my throat burns

were really worried," she says quietly, her voice trembling. "But Dad let us stay with you." Bobby steps closer.

Bobby," I manage, my

Mommy some

I watch them go. They

view, holding Henry, who's babbling happily. "Hey, sleepyhead," he says,

reaching for

to brush against his chubby cheek. "Hi, my little man," I

buddy. She needs to get her strength back." Cass and Lisa appear next, their faces a mix of relief and concern. "Well, look who decided to join the land of the living," Lisa quips, though her voice wavers

not to," I say weakly, though a small smile tugs at my

on me. "I'll be back in a minute," he says, his voice low. He kisses my forehead gently

room quiets as

Cass pulls up a chair, her hand never leaving

throat tightening. "And sore. But... the baby. I need

Cass. "Maybe you should wait," she says carefully. "You just woke up.

I cut her off, my voice trembling but firm. "I need to know.

my hand. "Okay," she says quietly. "We'll make sure you get

doctors want you to rest a bit more first before an ultrasound," he says, his voice

tContent

to

taking my hand. "We

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