Sienna’s POV


    I sshed cold water on my face. The sensation refreshed my eyes, as if washing away thest traces of sleep. I tidied my messy hair and changed out of the patient’s gown into something neater. It felt good to see my reflection in the mirror without the drained expression I had worn just days ago.


    I stood still for a moment, gazing at the reflection. The paleness was still there, but not as sharp as when I first entered the hospital. The dark circles under my eyes had begun <b>to </b>fade, though notpletely gone. A faint flush of pink had returned to my cheeks, perhaps from the cold water touching my skin.


    My hand traced along my jawline<b>, </b>then moved down to my stomach. The surgical wound that had once made every movement painful no longer hurt as much. I took a deep breath, trying to ept the reality


    that my body was healing, and I needed to be patient.


    I straightened the cor of my clothes, making sure it wasn’t too loose. For a moment, it felt as though I had been given a second chance, a chance to take better care of myself, to stop pushing beyond my limits.


    Water dripped from the ends of my hair onto my shoulders, making me chuckle softly<b>. </b>I grabbed a tissue


    and dabbed it dry before looking back at my reflection. Behind the weariness, I could see something


    different: a glimmer of hope.


    Not only because I would soon leave the hospital, but because of Noah, the little boy who, in his own way, gave me strength. And… Liam. Somehow, his presence now felt closer, even though the distance between


    us had once been so wide.


    I leaned my hand on the sink, staring at myself longer. There was fear too, fear of getting used to a kind of


    care that might notst. Yet beneath that fear, a soft whisper in my heart urged: maybe this is the time to


    learn to ept, not just to give.


    Slowly, I smiled at my reflection, a faint but genuine smile. I reached for the smallb on the shelf,


    running it gently through my hair. Each stroke felt like I wasn’t just arranging my hair, but also tidying


    up the mess of my feelings.


    When I finished, I patted my cheeks lightly, giving myself encouragement. “You can do this,” I murmured under my breath, only for myself to hear.


    I turned the tap back on once more<b>, </b>washing my hands with fragrant soap before drying them. I felt fresher, more ready to step back out.


    As I gripped the doorknob, I paused, inhaling deeply. A strange feeling swirled in my chest, a mix of


    nervousness, gratitude, and warmth I couldn’t quite exin.


    Finally, I pushed the door open gently, ready to return to the room where Noah waited so faithfully.


    The moment I stepped out, the room’s door opened again. Liam entered, carrying a tray with two


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    breakfast boxes and a ss of orange juice. The aroma of toast and omelet quickly filled the air.


    “Perfect timing, Mommy just came out and Daddy’s back!” Noah eximed, jumping off the bed.


    Liam gave a small smile. “Yep, Daddy brought a special breakfast for Mommy too.” He set the tray on the small table near the bed, then pulled a chair closer to me. “Sit down before it gets cold.”


    I obeyed, sitting at the edge of the bed while Liam opened the breakfast box. Inside were warm toast, a fluffy omelet, and a few slices of fruit. Simple, but appetizing.


    <b>“</b>Noah, this is for you,” Liam handed him another <b>box </b>filled with mini pancakes, his favorite without a


    doubt.


    “Yay!” Noah immediately grabbed it and sat in the chair beside Liam.


    We began eating together. asionally, Noah chattered away between bites, his eyes glowing as he talked about a new toy he had brought from home. I only smiled, feeling warm watching the two of them.


    Every so often, Liam nced at me. “Eat a lot, so you won’t feel weak when we go home.”


    I nodded softly. “Okay. Thank you for bringing breakfast.”


    He only gave a faint smile, but in his eyes, I could see sincerity in the way he cared for everything. Sometimes I caught his gaze lingering, and each time I quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the


    food in front of me.


    After finishing thest bite of my toast, I slowly sipped the orange juice. It tasted so refreshing, especially in the calm of this morning. Noah had also finished his pancakes, even licking the tip of his fork with a satisfied grin.


    “Are you full, Mommy<b>?</b><b>” </b>Noah asked, patting his little belly.


    I nodded with a smile. “Very full. Now let’s get ready to go home, okay<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    The little boy jumped with joy, “Yay! Finally Mommy’s going home!” he shouted, standing on his chair in


    excitement.


    Liam just shook his head slightly <b>at </b>Noah’s antics, then stood up. “Alright then, you two pack up the things. I’ll handle the paperwork at administration.”


    I nodded. “Okay.<b>” </b>


    As soon as Liam stepped out, I began tidying up the belongings in the VIP room. My small bagy on the table, still filled with a few changes of clothes, a charger, and a book I never actually had the chance to open. I folded the clothes neatly while Noah busied himself putting his little stuffed toy into his own


    backpack.


    “Mommy, should we take this drink home?” Noah asked, pointing at the water bottle on the nightstand.


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    I nced at it. “Sure, put it in the side pocket of your bag.”


    He followed quickly. I couldn’t help but smile to myself, watching how eager he was, as if packing up was an exciting little adventure for him.


    Not long after, Liam came back in holding a folder of documents. “Everything’s settled. We can go straight home now.”


    Noah immediately let out a little cheer. “Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!”


    <b>I </b>chuckled softly at his enthusiasm. “Patience, sweetheart. Mommy hasn’t put on her shoes yet.”


    Liam came closer, then, without being asked, picked up the shoes ced in the corner of the room and set them down in front of me. “I’ll carry the bag,” he said quietly.


    I hesitated for a moment, but eventually handed him the bag. While I slipped on my shoes, Noah was already standing by the door, swinging his backpack back and forth, eager to leave.


    Once everything was ready, Liam opened the door and gestured for me to go first. Noah held my hand tightly, while clutching the strap of his backpack with the other. Liam walked behind us, making sure I


    didn’t move too fast.


    His car was parked not far from the exit. He went ahead to open the back door. “Noah, you sit next to


    Mommy<b>, </b>okay<b>?</b><b>” </b>


    Noah quickly climbed in, then patted the seat beside him. “Come on, Mommy.”


    I got in slowly<b>, </b>making sure I was settledfortably. Liam shut the door, then walked around to the


    driver’s side. Once he sat down and started the engine, I nced out the window, watching the hospital building slowly fade into the distance.