Richard leaned forward, hardly daring to breathe. Emily lay motionless, her chest rising and falling rhythmically, a stark contrast to the storm of emotions within her father.

Suddenly, Emily’s eyelids fluttered. Richard’s breath caught in his throat. Could it be? He leaned forward, gripping the sides of his chair so tightly his knuckles turned white.

And then it happened. Emily’s eyes opened, wide and clear, as if waking from a deep sleep. She blinked, confusion giving way to recognition as her gaze settled on her father.