Airam's eyes fluttered open, the harsh glare of fluorescent lights above pulling her into consciousness. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled her nose as she tried to shift, only to be met with a sharp, searing pain radiating through her head. Wincing, she turned her head gingerly to the side and caught sight of a familiar face.
"Mom?" she croaked, her voice dry and strained.
Her mother sat at the edge of the chair, tears streaming silently down her face. "Oh, sweetheart," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I was so worried. I thought—" Her words broke off, and she covered her mouth with a shaky hand.
Airam tried to reach for her, but her body felt heavy, uncooperative. "What happened?" she asked, her throat raw, barely above a whisper.
Her mother leaned closer, brushing Airam's hair back gently. "You were in a storm. They found you unconscious." Her voice cracked again, and she took a deep breath. "I thought I lost you."
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As Airam's vision began to clear, her gaze shifted to her mother. But something was different—there was a bloom of colors surrounding her, like a soft aura. Shades of warm yellow intertwined with faint streaks of green, radiating gently around her figure. Airam blinked rapidly, unsure if it was a trick of the light or her still-dazed mind.
"Are you okay?" her mother asked softly, placing a hand on Airam's arm.
The touch startled her, and she flinched slightly. "I'm okay," Airam murmured, though her voice trembled. She glanced back at the colors, still swirling faintly. "I'm sorry for making you worry," she added, her words shaky as she tried to make sense of what she was seeing.
Her mother's face softened, though her concern didn't fade. "You've been through a lot," she said gently, brushing a stray strand of hair from Airam's face. "You need to get some rest, sweetheart," her mom said gently, brushing a hand over Airam's forehead. "I wish I could stay longer, but I have to head to work. I'll be back as soon as I can, okay?" "Okay, I love you," Airam said softly, her voice tinged with exhaustion.
"I love you too, sweetheart," her mom replied, leaning down to kiss her forehead. "Rest now; we'll talk more when I get back."