When She Rose From the Ashes

Chapter 117 The Awakening

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“Shauna, both patients have been stabilized. They only need to remain in sterile isolation for twenty–four hours. If they pass the critical window, they’ll be safe. But absolutely no visitors in the meantime–no risk of infection.”

Shauna exhaled in relief. That meant the surgery had been a success. She dismissed the specialists to rest next door, telling herself over and over that since the doctors said Natalie and Yvonne were stable, then they were stable.

Word spread quickly. The children came rushing.

“Shauna, how’s my mommy?” Susie’s voice trembled, her little eyes wide with fear.

Sean didn’t speak, but the worry in his gaze pierced like a blade.

Shauna repeated the doctors‘ words patiently. “You two must be good. It isn’t time to see her yet. Wait until she’s stronger, then you can visit.”

Sean’s frown deepened. “Where’s Papa?”

Shauna’s tone softened. “Mr. Gunn’s in the safe house. His body gave out when he came out of surgery–he spiked a fever from overwork. He hasn’t rested properly since Ocean City. His body was warning him to stop.”

The children fell silent for a long moment. Then Sean said firmly, “We want to see him.”

“Alright. I’ll take you.”

In the safe house, doctors had already diagnosed Baron’s condition–no grave danger, just extreme exhaustion. By the time Shauna brought the children, Baron was hooked up to an IV drip, still unconscious, his face pale but calmer.

“Don’t worry,” one physician assured. “What he needs most is rest.”

children finally let

for two

eyes finally opened, the world felt

Gunn, you’re awake?” Shauna hurried

all at once memory slammed back.

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18:30 Wed, Sep 24

Chapter 117 The Awakening

she?”

:

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But

face bore exhaustion, dark circles bruising her skin. Baron noticed. He passed her

this, then rest. From here, I’ll handle

please, Mr. Gunn, take care of

bowed out,

himself up, steady now, and left

the children inside, chirping to her as she lay swathed in bandages. The sunlight slanted across the scene, gilding them

settled in Baron’s chest. This—this

lingered at the door,

his eyes lighting up. “Papa, you’re

to the door. Beneath the wrappings, only her eyes were visible, and

Shauna had told her he’d collapsed after bringing in Witch Doctor to save her, had even shown her a photograph of him sleeping in the safe house to prove he was alive. She had clung

last, he

had become in her heart. Not love–at least not

him standing there, leaning lazily against