Briony opened her mouth, wanting to speak, but her throat was so dry that the words caught, dissolving into a fit of coughing.

The nurse hurried over, poured her a glass of water, and helped her drink through a straw.

After a few small sips, Briony's throat felt much better. She couldn't wait any longer. "Are the kids here too?" she asked, her voice hopeful.

"They are!" The nurse smiled, understanding exactly how much Briony missed her children. "I'll go downstairs and let them know you're awake. I'll tell them to bring the kids up so you can see them."

"No—please, wait..." Briony stopped her, panic in her voice. "I don't want them to see me like this. I'll scare them..."

The nurse paused, caught off guard by Briony's concern.

Just then, the door to the hospital room swung open.

Stewart entered, followed by Cedric Clarke and a few other doctors.

"Well, look who's finally awake-our miracle patient!" Cedric joked as he strode in, his tone light and easy. "I was just telling Stewart that if you didn't wake up soon, I'd have to shake you and tell you some incredible news myself."

Briony's eyes grew misty. "I already know," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Stewart came to her side, his voice warm and steady. "Bryn, the donor was admitted today to get ready for the procedure. Cedric and his team will start prepping you for the transplant. You're going to get better."

her tears spilling over. "While I was asleep, were Little Nina

they've been wonderful," Stewart reassured her. "But they really miss you. Little Nina had a few rough

sniffed, trying to

the transplant. The

Everyone was there.

was, but they knew their mom was about to go into a big, special room. The grown-ups had

Briony lay on the hospital bed as they

friends gathered around, each offering words

overwhelmed with

Little Nina

voice rang

and

with us, Mom! Be : "We're waiting

swhovel

brave!"

with a fierce determination

gently stroking her children's heads. "I promise, I'll fight with

the kids, watching

She met his gaze.

a moment, their eyes

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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