By the time Riya reached the hospital, the chaos outside the room made her uneasy. She quickly stopped a nurse and asked, "What's happening? How is my mother? Is she… dead?"
Her heart pounded in anticipation.
"No, no… she is awake," the nurse replied.
"Awake?" Riya gasped, her body turning cold.
"Yes, but she can't move or speak," the nurse explained.
Riya exhaled sharply, a wave of relief washing over her, though her expression soon turned anxious. "You mean… she is paralyzed?"
"It appears so. The doctors are still examining her. Please excuse me," the nurse said before hurrying away.
"Of course," Riya stepped aside, a sly smile flickering in her eyes.
Once the nurse disappeared down the corridor, Riya entered the room. Vincent sat beside Gracie's bed, holding her hand tightly, while Nathaniel and Zara stood nearby. Riya quietly joined them, standing beside Zara with a composed face, making sure not to draw attention. Her eyes, however, stayed fixed on Gracie.
