Evelyn's heart sank as she saw Gracia's face pale, her body unmoving. Panic surged through her veins, her breath hitching in fear. "Mom!" she cried, patting Gracia's cheeks urgently, her hands trembling. "Mom, wake up!"
Her voice cracked with desperation as she shook Gracia gently, then firmly, hoping to elicit a response. The coolness of Gracia's skin sent chills down Evelyn's spine. Her chest heaved as dread began to settle in her stomach.
"Rita! Rita!" Evelyn shouted, her voice echoing in the room as she struggled to lift Gracia onto the bed. Tears blurred her vision, but she kept going, her resolve unshaken despite her growing fear. "Mom, please!" she whispered, her voice breaking as she sprinkled water onto Gracia's face.
Rita burst into the room, her face etched with worry at the sight of Evelyn crouched beside Gracia, her panic palpable.
"What happened?" Rita gasped, rushing to the bed.
