>Mallory
My body felt heavy and numb, yet acutely aware of the light hum of the engine vibrating against my skin. A faint sob broke through the fog in my mind, pulling me closer to consciousness. Slowly, I opened my eyes, and there he was. My son. His face was stained with tears, his little eyes wide with worry as he carefully held my hand with his small fingers. A soft blanket was draped over me, and his head was resting gently against my cheek.
A surge of love and protectiveness washed over me, overriding the lingering anxiety.
I shifted slightly, then gently lifted my hand to cup his face.
"Are you okay, baby?" I whispered, my voice still hoarse and raspy from the crying and the panic. My body felt heavy, like it was made of lead.
His little face lit up, relief flooding his features.
"You're awake," a deep, familiar voice rang out from the driver's seat, pulling me fully into the present.
