I woke to the gentle rays of sunlight streaming through the blinds. For a moment, I couldn't place why today felt different. Then it hit me – I'd slept through the entire night. No coughing fits. No gasping for air. No nurse rushing in to adjust my oxygen.
For the first time in years, I had experienced a full night of uninterrupted sleep.
I pushed myself up against the pillows, inhaling deeply. My lungs expanded without triggering the familiar spasms that had become my constant companion. The heaviness in my chest had lifted, if only slightly.
Could it be Juliana's medicine?
The door swung open before I could ponder further. Cameron strode in, followed by Imogen and Ivy.
"Mother! You're awake!" Imogen rushed to my side, her concern so perfectly executed it almost seemed genuine. "How are you feeling today?"
"Better," I said, surprised by the strength in my voice. "Much better, actually."
Cameron's eyebrows shot up. "Really? The doctors said you had a quiet night."
