Julia
"Júlia, Alex is already awake, although he's still in the ICU. I'd like you to see him and talk to him before we begin."
"Of course."
"I need him to feel safe and calm. And no one is better suited for that than a mother."
"I'll do it with great pleasure, Dr. Lina."
"Just call me Lina, Júlia. Now go see your son, dear. We'll see each other tomorrow morning."
***
"Mom!" Alex exclaims as soon as he sees me enter the room, extending his arms toward me. I don't hesitate to go to him. I gently stroke his torso, giving him soft caresses while listening to the faint beats of his heart.
"I missed you!" I confess, feeling my voice crack. But I swallow my tears and force a smile before lifting my head to look at him.
"I have some news for you." My son gives me a bright look through the oxygen mask. "Tomorrow you're having the surgery."
"Really?"
"Really." I smile broadly.
"And I'll be able to play soccer?"
"Yes. Soccer and anything else you want to do, my dear. I promise." Alex hugs me as
