Victor… Victor!" I called out, my voice slicing through the stillness of the house before I even realized I was moving. My feet were already carrying me toward the stairs, urgency driving every step as panic bled into my tone just enough to feel real. The sound pulled attention instantly—the helps rushed out from different corners of the house, their movements hurried, uncertain, drawn by instinct before understanding. Victor's door opened almost immediately, and at the same time, Lily stepped into the hallway, her small face clouded with confusion—until her eyes landed on the living room.
On her mother.
Collapsed.
"Mummy!" she screamed, the sound breaking apart as she ran forward without hesitation, her tiny feet hitting the floor too fast, too desperate.
The room shifted in an instant.
