The moment the call ended, Sophia's eyes shone brilliantly.

She turned and threw herself into Ethan's arms. "Mom's awake! She's really awake!"

Before the words fully left her lips, she cupped Ethan's face and planted a firm kiss.

Ethan's gaze darkened as he cradled the back of her head, deepening the kiss.

Their lips intertwined, Sophia's cheeks flushed like peach blossoms in March.

Too excited to sit still, she twisted the hem of her shirt between restless fingers.

"Drive faster!" she urged the driver for the third time.

Beads of sweat formed on the driver's forehead. "Madam, we're already speeding."

Ethan clasped her slightly cold hand. "Easy."

He loved seeing her like this—the usually composed woman now vibrant as a young doe.

Forty minutes later, the white buildings of the psychiatric hospital came into view.

Before the car fully stopped, Sophia flung the door open and dashed out.

Ethan followed swiftly.

A nurse at the station smiled. "Here to see Mrs. Grandelle again?"

"Mom's awake!" Sophia's voice brimmed with unrestrained joy.

Her hands trembled as she signed the visitor log.

The moment she pushed open the hospital room door, her smile froze.

Evelyn cowered behind Vincent, her eyes wide with terror.

"Mom?" Sophia's voice quivered.

Vincent gently stroked his wife's back. "She was lucid for a while, then slipped back."

Sophia's nose stung.

She'd imagined countless reunion scenarios—but never this.

"The doctor says it's a good sign," Vincent offered softly.

Sophia noticed how tightly Evelyn clutched Vincent's sleeve.

That small gesture warmed her heart.

"I'm staying tonight," she announced suddenly.

Ethan frowned. "The conditions here—"

"I need to be with Mom." Her tone brooked no argument.

In the quiet of night, Sophia lay on the cot, watching the couple embrace on the hospital bed.

Vincent held Evelyn with the care one reserves for priceless treasures.

Her phone screen lit up.

Ethan: Miss you.

Three simple words that sent warmth through her chest.

She replied: Giving Dad his chance.

Suddenly, Evelyn shrieked in the darkness.

"My baby! Where's my baby?"

Sophia bolted upright.

She and Vincent simultaneously reached for the trembling woman.

"Mom, I'm right here." Sophia pressed her cheek against Evelyn's hand.

The familiar warmth gradually calmed Evelyn.

Sophia remembered how Ethan had once soothed her own nightmares the same way.

At dawn's first light, Vincent combed Evelyn's hair.

His movements were featherlight, as if handling rare porcelain.

Silver strands flowed through his fingers into an elegant chignon.

"I'll be back soon," he said, adjusting his cuffs.

Evelyn's gaze followed him—a look so tender it brought tears to Sophia's eyes.

Vincent bent to kiss her forehead.

Evelyn grasped his sleeve, unwilling to let go.

Sophia turned away.

Now she understood—the most moving love language wasn't words, but the reluctant gaze of devotion.