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."

feeling swept through Briony, her tears spilling over. "While I was asleep, were Little Nina and little Mario okay? They didn't

they've been wonderful," Stewart reassured her. "But they really miss you. Little Nina had a few rough nights—she's still so attached to you. That's why you

trying to smile. "I

and Briony were cleared for the transplant. The day she was moved to

Everyone was there.

was, but they knew their mom was about to go into a big, special room. The grown-ups had explained that when Mom came out, her illness would be

lay on the hospital bed as they prepared to

around, each offering words of

overwhelmed

you can do it!" Little Nina cheered,

rang out, clear

Be : "We're

heart with a fierce determination to

out, gently stroking her children's heads. "I

behind the kids, watching Briony

She met his gaze.

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

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