I stood beside David while the staff completed their checks.
My heart pounded so hard that I felt dizzy.
When the tube was finally removed, Leo struggled briefly with the unfamiliar sensation of breathing without the machine.
The team supported him with supplemental oxygen and watched closely.
Then his breathing settled.
A weak sound escaped his throat.
I leaned forward.
“Leo?”
His eyelids fluttered.
He looked confused and exhausted.
But his eyes found mine.
“Mommy,” he whispered hoarsely.
I burst into tears.
David covered his face with both hands.
I bent close enough for Leo to see me clearly.
“I’m here, baby.”
His small fingers moved toward mine.
I held them gently.
“Where’s Lion?”
Chloe laughed through her tears.
“Right here, little lion.”
She placed the stuffed animal beside him.
Leo gave the faintest smile.
It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen.
The next morning, Rebecca arrived with an update concerning the financial investigation.
