Chapter 5

My mother stood frozen, then suddenly grabbed the DNA results with frenzied intensity.

The moment she viewed the findings, her entire existence crumbled.

Mustering all her might, she pushed past those attempting to restrain her and rushed into the surgery room.

She was met with a sight of blood-covered floors—and my still form lying in the midst of it.

Her knees buckled, and she fell into the crimson pool. She inched her way to where I lay, moving on hands and knees.

Kneeling before me, she quivered, delicately caressing my colorless, unmoving face.

"Jessica... Jessica, please wake up..." she wept, her words breaking.

"Mommy's here. How do you feel? Please, sweetheart, say something?"

James, my brother, stood close by, clearly uncertain how to react. "Mom... you shouldn't barge into an operating room. You need to go."

But his words fell on deaf ears as she wept uncontrollably, as if her very essence was escaping with each tear.