Sophia's POV
ASHER’S HOSPITAL
“My baby!” Mum cried, her arms wrapping tightly around me as though letting go might mean losing me again.
We hugged like it had been years, like time had frozen between us and only this moment could heal what had been broken. I leaned into her warmth, inhaling that familiar scent of home, safety, and unconditional love. She kissed my forehead repeatedly, her fingers trembling.
“Mum, I missed you,” I said, my voice catching in my throat.
We held each other again, longer this time, as though trying to soak up every lost second.
“Are you okay? Is anywhere hurting?” Dad asked from where he stood, shifting awkwardly near the window. I could see guilt etched into his features, like the lines of worry had aged him overnight.
I smiled faintly and opened my arms toward him. “Dad, can you stop feeling guilty? It’s okay.”
He hesitated, then walked forward and embraced me, his tears wetting my shoulder.
“I’m sorry, Sophia,” he said in a voice breaking with
