Her son was awake. He had called her Mother. And for the first time since she had found him, she allowed herself to believe that the worst was finally behind them.
Cooper's eyes drifted closed again. Dakota stayed exactly where she was, fingers gently wrapped around his small hand, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest.
Soon, the door opened quietly behind her. A nurse entered with a fresh pitcher of water and a small tray of herbal medicine, inclined her head respectfully, set everything on the bedside table, and withdrew without a word.
Dakota glanced at the medicine and made a mental note to ensure he took it regularly, no matter how much he complained about the taste. She remembered how Takoda had been the same when it came to medicine and suddenly she felt a small, sad smile touch her lips.
"Mom?"
Cooper's voice was soft, barely above a whisper.
"I'm here," she said at once, leaning closer. "I'm right here."
