Lily's eyes never wavered from her father as he slowly returned to consciousness. The lines on his face seemed deeper now, etched by the days he had spent fighting to stay alive. As his eyes fluttered open, she leaned forward and clasped his hand gently. "How are you feeling now?" she asked, her voice steady but soft.
He didn't answer right away, but the way he squeezed her hand told her enough. Despite being the one who had hovered on the brink of death, the worry in his eyes was unmistakable. He opened his mouth to speak, but Lily was quick to shake her head, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips.
"No," she said firmly. "You're not allowed to talk for the next few days. It'll put too much pressure on your lungs. Just rest, okay? Everything is alright."
