Chapter 12: Awakening
The rhythmic hum of the ICU machines faded into the background as Julian watched Clara’s eyelashes flutter. Her eyes opened, dull and unfocused at first, before finally finding his face.
Julian leaned in, tears finally breaking his stoic facade. "I'm here. You're safe."
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Clara tried to speak, her throat dry and raspy. Julian carefully offered her a sip of water. She didn't ask about the babies; the agonizing emptiness in her abdomen and the grief in Julian’s eyes gave her the answer. Instead, her memory locked onto the final seconds before the fall.
"She whispered to me," Clara choked out, gripping Julian’s hand with surprising strength. "Right before her hands hit my back. She said, 'You were always temporary.' Then she pushed."
