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Pain coursed through Lisa's body as her eyes fluttered open. The sterile, cold environment of the hospital room greeted her, the fluorescent lights casting an unforgiving glare. A syringe was attached to her hand, the IV drip feeding her veins. She took a deep breath, and a bitter realization washed over her—she was still alive. A dull ache settled in her chest; she had hoped for the release of death. The weight of her shattered life felt unbearable, and the thought of continuing seemed like a cruel punishment. She longed for darkness to take her once and for all.
Lost in the depths of her despair, she heard the door creak open. Her mother walked in, her eyes wide and filled with emotion. Lisa's gaze locked onto her mother's, a wave of conflicting emotions crashing within her—bitterness, sorrow, and a fleeting, desperate hope. The woman who had once loved her unconditionally had given up on her, cast her aside, yet here she was.
With hesitation, Lisa whispered, "Mom."
Her mother rushed to her side, wrapping her in a fierce embrace. "Lisa, don't ever scare us like that again. If you're sick, come to us. Don't hide anything, okay?" Her voice quivered, eyes brimming with tears.
Lisa's heart twisted. The sincerity in her mother's voice only deepened her confusion. "Mom, what are you talking about?"
"You know you hate taking medicine, but you need to stop ignoring your health. If Nanny Betty hadn't checked on you last night, who knows what could have happened?" her mother said, her voice laced with concern.
Nanny Betty. The name sent a shiver down Lisa's spine. Nanny Betty had left their house years ago, after her cousin Jade had moved in. The last time the nanny had watched over her, she was fifteen, a carefree teenager. But the most recent memory she held was of her life crumbling, of an accident that should have ended it all.
"Mom, how old am I?" Lisa asked, her voice barely concealing the tremor of dread.
"You're fifteen, sweetheart." Her mother frowned, worry creeping into her eyes. "Why are you asking me that? Are you feeling alright?"
Fifteen. Lisa's mind raced. Could it be possible? Had she gone back in time? Reborn into her past, with the chance to rewrite her life? Her heart pounded as the truth began to settle in. She wasn't just surviving; she had been granted another opportunity—a chance to undo the mistakes that had led to her ruin.
Swallowing her emotions, she forced a smile. "I'm fine, Mom," she replied quickly, masking her turmoil. She clung to her mother, feeling the warmth she thought she had lost forever. "Mom, I love you so much. I promise I'll be a good daughter from now on. I won't let you down."
Her mother's eyes softened. "You don't need to change for me, Lisa. You've always been perfect in my eyes. No matter what happens, you could never be a disappointment to me."
The words, spoken with such unconditional love, felt like a knife twisting in Lisa's chest. She knew the truth—she had disappointed them in ways her mother couldn't imagine. But this time, she vowed, things would be different. She would rise above her past and protect the ones she loved.
"Where's Dad?" Lisa asked, eager to see him again.
"He's at work but will be back this afternoon to check on you. Liam's still at school, but he'll return this weekend," her mother explained.
Reassured, Lisa sank back into the bed. Despite her physical exhaustion, a fierce determination burned within her. She had been given a second chance, and she wasn't going to waste it. This life would be different—she would live for herself and her family, not for misguided love or fleeting approval.
Hours later, when Lisa awoke, sunlight streamed through the window, warming her face. She saw her father standing by the bed, his familiar smile lifting the heavy weight in her chest.
"Dad," she called softly.
"How are you feeling, sweetheart?" he asked, his voice gentle yet steady.
"I'm getting better. I just want to go home. The smell of this place... it gets to me," Lisa said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"Just hang in there for today. I'll sort out your discharge by tomorrow," he assured her, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "You already look better than yesterday."
Lisa managed a smile, her heart swelling with relief and hope. "Thank you, Dad. I can't wait to get home. You know what I miss the most? My bed."
Her father laughed softly. "Then that's the first thing I'll make sure is ready for you."
As Lisa lay back, she felt the gravity of the second chance she had been given. The path ahead was filled with uncertainties and obstacles, but she was determined. This time, she would navigate the traps and betrayals waiting for her. She would forge her own destiny and prove that no one—not even Jade—could take away her life again.
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