Esme slowly came to consciousness, her surroundings coming into focus as she lay in the hospital bed. The room was quiet except for the soft rustling of her parents who were napping on a nearby sofa. The sight of her newborn daughter, peacefully sleeping beside her, brought tears to Esme's eyes. The baby's tiny, serene face was a bittersweet reminder of Silas's absence beside her.
She had imagined this moment with him, but his absence weighed heavily on her heart. Overcome with emotion, she broke into tears.
Esme's sobs gently roused her parents. They hurried to her side, their faces etched with concern.
"Esme, you're awake," they said in unison, with a mix of joy and worry.
Scarlet, trying to lift her daughter's spirits, gestured towards the baby. "Take a look at the baby," she said warmly. "She looks just like you. The same blue eyes and golden hair. She reminds me of you as a baby."
