CHAPTER 112: EMMA

The beeping of the heart monitor is the first thing I hear, steady and rhythmic, pulling me from the darkness that has consumed me. My body feels heavy like I'm being held down by invisible weights, and there's a dull ache spreading across my chest and limbs. The sterile smell of the hospital fills my nostrils, and it takes a moment for me to remember where I am.

I blinked, squinting against the harsh fluorescent light above, trying to make sense of my surroundings. As my vision clears, I notice my mom, slumped over in a chair next to me, her head resting on her crossed arms, fast asleep. Her face looks worn, more tired than I've ever seen her.

I try to sit up, but a sharp pain shoots through my ribs, forcing me to wince. The memories hit me all at once—the truck, the crash, Liam's bloodied face. Panic rises in my chest, and I gasp, "Liam."

My voice is weak, barely more than a croak, but it's enough to wake my mom. Her head snaps up, her eyes widening as she sees me. "Emma!" she cries