Back from the Brink

"Clara, my sweet girl, how are you feeling? Does it hurt?" Miriam's voice cracked. Her trembling hand hovered over Clara, afraid to touch her.

"Clara, are you hungry? What do you want to eat? I will get it for you. Are you thirsty?" Roland's usually steady voice was frantic.

"Clara, you scared the hell out of us. Don't you ever do that again," Paige said, her eyes red as she gripped Clara's uninju