Bitter Awakening

Mrs. Ferraro’s eyelids fluttered.

Chiara noticed it first.

“Alessio,” she whispered urgently.

Alessio was already on his knees beside the couch, hands hovering uselessly as fear gripped him. “Mom? Mom, can you hear me?”

Her fingers twitched.

A shallow breath dragged into her lungs, followed by a weak cough.

“Oh thank God,” Chiara breathed, immediately shifting closer. She gently supported Mrs. Fer