At the hospital.


    After re–examining Jake, the doctor turned to Jenna with a sense of wonder in his voice, “It’s nothing short of a miracle that your dad woke up.”


    The clinic had run every test in the book and had all but written off any chance of the patient regaining consciousness. It was aplete and utter shock when he did–and so swiftly at


    that.


    The doctor gave Jenna a few instructions before hurrying out of the room. This medical marvel was too astonishing not to report to the chief, Dr. Ray, and his team.


    Once the doctor left. Jenna seemed toe back to life. She went to her father, who was now off the venttor, sat down by his bed, and gently took his hand. “Dad, you’re finally awake.”


    Jake had juste around and was still weak. His lips moved as if to speak, but he didn’t have the strength. In the end, he simply squeezed his daughter’s hand in return.


    Jenna wiped away a tear. Now that the initial shock <b>had </b>passed, she remembered what Mirabe had said to her in the days leading up to and even right before she had just left.


    “Don’t worry. Your dad will wake up in a couple of days.”


    “Once your dad wakes up, give him one of these pills and then one every other day from then


    on.”


    Her words always carried the same message. “your dad will wake up.”


    Jenna’s hand slid into her pocket, feeling the pill bottle. She recalled Mirabe’s confident expression as she left, as if she was certain Jake was about to wake up. But how could Mirabe be so sure when even Dr. Ray from the hospital said the chances were slim to none? Jenna’s mind was a whirl of confusion<b>, </b>unsure whether to take out the medicine. After all, with her dad’s condition being so delicate, medication wasn’t something to be taken lightly.


    Torn. Jenna pulled out her phone and sent a message to Mirabe.


    [Mira, my dad’s awake.]


    Mirabe was in the middle of dinner when she received Jenna’s message on Messenger. It was expected. After pondering for a moment, she replied. <b>[</b>The medicinees from a reputable alternative healer. It’s safe to use, no harm.]


    Jenna’s expression wasplex as she read the response. Mira’s reply seemed devoid of surprise as if she had anticipated Jenna’s concern. Her fingers paused on the screen for a long time before replying. [Okay, I’ll give it to my dad now.]


    Mirabe nced at the message and didn’t respond again.


    Jenna took a deep breath as if making <b>a </b>monumental decision, stood up to pour a ss of


    <b>12:13 </b>


    water, and returned to the bedside. She took out the pill bottle, shook out one pill, and whispered, “Dad, I’m going to give you your medicine.<b>” </b>


    She certainly didn’t believe Mira was the type to carelessly advise someone to take drugs. So. she was willing to try.


    Not long after taking the medicine, Jake fell asleep again. As his breathing maintained steady and had no signs of distress, Jenna’s anxious heart gradually calmed down. Remembering she hadn’t yet shared the good news with her mother, Jenna walked over to the window and made a call.


    After hanging up, Jenna turned around to see Bethany sitting with headphones on, lost in music, and walked over. She took one earpiece out, “It’s gettingte. You don’t have to stay here with me. You should head home.”


    Bethany’s phone was ying a track by Neon Paradox. Hearing Jenna’s words, she quickly paused the song and looked up. “Oh, it’s okay. I don’t have school tomorrow since it’s the weekend. I’ll stay with you.”


    She paused for a moment, “Want to listen? My idol’s voice is super healing<b>.</b><b>” </b>she said, waving her phone screen in front of Jenna<b>. </b>