Chapter 100: A Mother's Warmth

The night was quiet, the dim glow of the bedside lamp casting soft shadows across the room. I lay nestled in Mama's arms, my body still sore from my injuries. Her warmth surrounded me, her scent soothing, but there was an emptiness inside me that I couldn't shake. My body felt weak, drained from everything that had happened, but my heart felt even heavier.

Mama's gentle fingers ran through my hair, her soft hum filling the silence. She hadn't stopped holding me since we returned home, and I could feel the fear still lingering in her embrace. My sisters sat around the room, watching over me like silent guardians, their eyes filled with love and sorrow. Papa sat at the edge of the bed, his head bowed, lost in thoughts he couldn't voice.

"Mama…" I murmured weakly, my voice barely above a whisper.

She immediately cupped my cheek, tilting my face up to meet her tear-filled eyes. "Yes, my love? Mama is here."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "You won't leave… right?"

Her grip on me tightened, her lips pressing against my forehead. "Never, my baby. I will never leave you. You are my everything."

I felt warmth spread through me, but before I could say anything else, a strange chill ran down my spine. My body trembled slightly, and I curled deeper into Mama's embrace.

"Baby?" she whispered, sensing my discomfort.

I tried to respond, but my body felt heavy, my breath uneven. A sudden wave of dizziness hit me, and I whimpered softly. The room spun around me, and my head ached.

"Noah?" Papa's voice was sharp with worry as he noticed the change in me.

I could barely register what was happening before Mama gasped. "He's burning up!"

Panic swept through the room. My sisters were on their feet in an instant, their expressions shifting from sadness to fear.

"Call the doctor!" Olivia shouted, her usual calm demeanor shattering.

Sophia grabbed her phone, her hands shaking as she dialed the number. "He just got out of the hospital! Why is this happening?"

Mama pulled me even closer, rocking me slightly. Her voice was filled with desperation. "Shh, baby. Mama is here. You're okay. You'll be okay."

Papa pressed his palm to my forehead, and his face paled. "He's burning up, Emma…"

Tears spilled from Mama's eyes as she stroked my face. "No… no, no, no… my baby… please, just hold on."

The doctor arrived within minutes, rushing into the room with his medical bag. He quickly assessed me, his face grave as he checked my pulse and temperature.

"His body is still fragile from the trauma and surgery," the doctor explained, concern etched across his face. "This fever is caused by exhaustion and emotional distress. He needs rest, warmth, and the right medication."

Mama's hands trembled as she wiped away my sweat-soaked hair. "Tell me what to do. I'll do anything."

The doctor handed her a small bottle of medicine. "Give him this to reduce the fever, and keep him warm. He needs to feel safe."

Mama wasted no time. She carefully helped me take the medicine, her touch as delicate as a butterfly's wing. "It's okay, sweetheart. Just a little sip… there you go."

I whimpered softly as the bitter taste spread in my mouth, but Mama kissed my forehead, whispering sweet reassurances.

My sisters watched with watery eyes, their hands clasped together in silent prayer.

"Will he be okay?" Lily asked, her voice breaking.

The doctor nodded. "Yes, but he needs care and love more than ever."

A single tear slipped down Mama's cheek. "He will have all of it."

My fingers weakly reached for her hand, and she immediately held them, squeezing gently. "Mama…" I murmured in a small, trembling voice.

She cupped my cheeks, her thumbs wiping away the fresh tears rolling down my face. "I'm here, baby. Mama won't let go."

I let out a shaky breath, curling into her chest as exhaustion overtook me. The warmth of her love wrapped around me like a cocoon, shielding me from the fear that still lingered inside me.

As my breathing steadied, Mama continued to hum a soft lullaby, her voice full of warmth and love. My sisters moved closer, their hands resting on my blanket, as if silently promising to protect me no matter what.

Papa ran a hand through my hair, his voice thick with emotion. "I won't let anything happen to you again, son."

Through my exhaustion, I felt it—the unwavering love surrounding me. I was safe. I was home. And no matter what nightmares tried to haunt me, I knew one thing for certain.

I was never alone.