Slowly, Lily’s eyes fluttered open, blinking against the dim light filtering through the cloud-covered sky. She looked puzzled at first, as if waking from a long and confusing dream. Her gaze shifted from her mother to the familiar face of Max, who now stood with his front paws resting on the coffin, tail wagging furiously.

“Mommy?” Lily’s voice, though soft and raspy, cut through the air like a clarion call.

Anna scooped her daughter into her arms, sobbing with relief and joy as the reality of the moment washed over her. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, tears flowing freely as strangers and friends alike embraced one another in the face of the miraculous.