Elissa’s scream jolted her awake, and she bolted upright in bed. Outside the room, Ernest had just sent Eric and Hadley off and was climbing the stairs to check on Elissa when her cries reached him.

His heart skipped a beat as he turned the doorknob and rushed inside.

“Elissa?”

Flipping on the light, Ernest saw Elissa sitting on the bed, her wide eyes brimming with fear and confusion.

The caregiver by her bedside stood and nodded. “Mr. Flynn.” She slipped out quietly as he entered.

Elissa was panting, sweat beading on her forehead, her body trembling faintly. She was still caught between dream and reality, unable to separate the two.

“Elissa.” Ernest hurried to her side, sitting on the bed’s edge and reaching for her hand. “It’s okay. You’re safe now. Did you have a nightmare?”

His touch startled her, and she jerked her hand back instinctively.

“Elissa? What’s…”

Before he could finish, Elissa’s hand flew up, striking his cheek.

Stunned, she stared at her own hand, bewildered, then leaped from the bed and darted toward the door.

“Elissa!” Ernest snapped out of his shock, catching her before she could escape, his arms wrapping tightly around her. “What’s wrong? Talk to me!”

“Let me go!” Elissa thrashed in his hold. “They’ve taken Locke! I have to find him! If I don’t, I’ll lose him forever!”

“Locke?” Ernest didn’t fully grasp her words, but they sparked a faint understanding.

“Let me go!” Elissa’s voice was frantic. “If I don’t act now, I’ll never see him again!”

“Elissa…” Ernest’s heart ached as he tightened his hold, pulling her closer.

“Wake up. It’s me, Ernest.” ? Find[?]ovel.net

“Ernest?” Elissa stilled, murmuring his name as she looked up. Slowly, her gaze sharpened.

“Do you recognize me now?” Ernest held her with one arm, his other hand gently lifting her chin. “It’s me, Ernest. Locke’s father. He’s safe with us now. No one will ever take him away again.”

His voice was soft and cautious, as if fearing he might startle her. “He’s back with us, healthy and well. You see him every day. Do you remember?”

Elissa stared at him, processing his words.

Gradually, her eyes cleared, and tears spilled over as she lowered her head.

“You…”

Ernest watched her closely, his voice gentle. “Did you recall everything? About Locke?”

“Yes.” Elissa nodded heavily, her eyes closing as her voice broke with sobs. “I remember… I carried Locke for 39 weeks and 6 days. He was born full-term. A natural delivery…”

Ernest listened silently, his eyes locked on her face.

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