“Dad?” Her voice was weak but unmistakably hers.

Richard was on his feet in an instant, tears streaming down his face. He grasped her hand, overwhelmed with a relief so profound it was almost paralyzing.

“Oh, Emily… thank God,” he choked out, unable to say more.

The medical team, alerted by the monitors, rushed in, their expressions shifting from confusion to amazement at the sight of Emily awake and alert. They quickly began their assessments, a flurry of activity that seemed to happen in slow motion for Richard, who couldn’t tear his eyes away from his daughter.