Aria's mother, Carla, slowly opened her eyes, responding weakly to Max's worried calls. "Mom, you finally woke up! We were so worried," Aria said, tears rolling down her face.
Carla reassured her children, "Hey, hey, stop crying. I'm here; I didn't go anywhere, okay? You should stop crying, or Mama will be sad." Aria and Max calmed down, and Carla hugged them tightly.
"Come on, come let's hug my two huge bears," Carla said, smiling. Aria and Max rolled their eyes good-naturedly, not liking the nickname.
Aria asked, "Mom, what's wrong with you? Are you sick? Is that why you fainted?" Carla hesitated, not wanting to worry her children. "Of course not. I was walking, and my head accidentally hit the wall, so I fell unconscious. That's all; you don't have to worry, okay? I'm perfectly fine."
Carla's children believed her, relieved. Max hugged his mother tightly, saying, "Mom, I was so scared. I don't want you to leave us, especially me. Mom, I can't live without you."