❝ 𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 ❞ ʲᵃˢᵖᵉʳ ʰᵃˡᵉ ( EN )

☇ 𝟯𝟯

Theodora was transferred to intensive care, the world around her becoming a blur of flashing lights and steady beeping. The machines buzzed relentlessly, capturing every irregular beat of her fragile heart. Each sound echoed like an incessant hammering, a harsh reminder of her own frailty. Life seemed to be slipping away from her, drop by drop, like an hourglass emptying far too quickly. The tubes connected to her body, winding around her arms and chest, felt like chains trapping her in a nightmare she could never escape. The antiseptic smell of disinfectant and the metallic tang of dried blood filled her nostrils, heavy and oppressive, grounding her in the horror she had endured. Time seemed to stretch endlessly, pausing at moments, keeping her locked in this cold, impersonal place.

Her eyelids were heavy, as though invisible weights held them down, but she refused to let them close. Each time she surrendered to the fatigue, images of Maria, Estrella, and the searing pain that had torn through her body returned with a blinding intensity, like lightning coursing through her. Her heart pounded so loudly that each beat resonated in her head, a discordant symphony plunging her into an abyss of fear and despair.

The door to the room opened softly, admitting Theodora's mother, her face marked by anguish and exhaustion. She had spent hours waiting, praying for her daughter to survive, and seeing her lying there, surrounded by machines, with tubes connected to her body, brought a fresh wave of pain she had never felt before. Her eyes filled with tears as she approached the bed, her hand trembling slightly as she brushed her daughter's cheek.

"My baby," she murmured, her voice breaking with emotion. "I was so scared..." Each word was an effort, as though speaking drained her strength, and every glance at her daughter's wounds was another stab to her heart. She stood there for a moment, her fingers gently stroking Theodora's hair, as if the gesture could erase the pain she had endured.

But it was too much. It was more than she could bear. Her breathing grew more ragged, and she abruptly straightened, wiping away the tears streaming down her cheeks. "There are so many people who want to see you," she said in a hoarse voice, forcing a smile despite her pain. "I'll let them in, okay?" She pressed a kiss to Theodora's forehead, and with one final touch, she left the room, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs. She didn't want anyone to see her like this, broken by the fear of losing her daughter.

The next to enter the room was Carlisle. His presence, usually so reassuring, seemed cloaked in profound sadness that day. He approached her with infinite gentleness, his steps silent, his gaze filled with compassion. Every movement was deliberate, as though he feared breaking her even more. When he touched her forehead to check her temperature, Theodora felt a wave of warmth that contrasted with the chill of her own hands. "We're here for you," he murmured, his soft voice seeking to pierce the barrier of terror enveloping her. But the words failed to reach through the fog of her mind, dissolving before they could touch her consciousness. They were like raindrops falling on parched earth, unable to seep into the deep cracks of her pain.

Esme entered shortly after, her throat tight with emotion. Without a word, she approached the bed. Her arms wrapped around Theodora, enveloping her in an embrace meant to be comforting, maternal. She rocked her gently, her hands stroking her hair with infinite tenderness. "You're safe now," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. But despite Esme's softness, Theodora remained frozen, unable to respond, her vacant gaze fixed on an invisible point on the ceiling, as if searching for refuge beyond reality.

Time dragged on, seconds stretching into hours, and Theodora's chest barely rose with the effort of each breath. The cold of the tubes, the room, the fear... it all blended together, sinking her further into silence.

Rosalie and Emmett entered next, their faces, usually so strong, etched with worry. Rosalie sat beside her, her brows furrowed, her jaw clenched to hold back the tears threatening to spill. She hesitated before taking Theodora's hand in hers. "I'm here," she murmured, her voice breaking with emotion. "We won't let you down. You're strong, Theodora. You'll get through this." The contrast between Rosalie's cold skin and the warmth of her words mirrored the battle Theodora was waging within herself.