Bella's POV
Small familiar fingers touched my face, warm and gentle, brushing across my cheeks like they were trying to coax me back from somewhere far away. For a moment, I wondered if I was still trapped in that strange place between consciousness and darkness, where nothing felt quite real. Then I heard that precious voice that could pull me back from anywhere.
"Mummy..."
The sound seemed distant at first, echoing through fog. Another voice joined in, softer and more mature.
"Sweetheart, you must let mummy rest. She needs her sleep."
"No," came the defiant response, his voice breaking with determination. "Mummy, please wake up."
My heart clenched as I forced my eyes open. I blinked slowly against the brightness streaming through the room. When my vision focused, there was Toby, perched right on my chest, his small hands still patting my face, his auburn hair tousled, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
