CHAPTER 94: 94. THE RESURRECTION

The moment they all rushed into the room, Maria was struggling to breathe. She was gasping for air, her chest rising and falling rapidly as though she were on the brink of death. Panic filled the room instantly.

The doctor hurried over to her bedside, quickly checking the life support machine she was connected to. His brows furrowed in confusion when he noticed everything was functioning properly. Nothing seemed out of place.

As he turned back to Maria, she suddenly let out a loud sneeze. The sound echoed through the tense room, shocking everyone present.

"Maria! Maria!" the doctor called her name over and over, but she was too weak to respond. Her body trembled slightly, her lips parted, but no words came.

Without wasting time, the doctor instructed the nurses to remove the life support. He immediately pulled the curtains wide open and opened all the windows to increase the natural air in the room.

"Check her drips!" he commanded urgently.

The nurse checked quickly and confirmed everything was in good condition.

Joy began to spread across everyone’s faces as Maria’s eyes fluttered open, though the bright light streaming through the windows made her squint in discomfort. She could barely keep them open for long.

She tried to speak, but her voice failed her. She struggled to form words.

"Relax, Maria," the doctor said softly. "Everything will be explained later. For now, just rest."

Maria slowly turned her head and caught sight of Cassandra and James standing by her side. She smiled weakly at them, grateful for their familiar faces. But something puzzled her—why were Bernard and his parents smiling so brightly too? What were they so happy about?

She could feel a strange warmth inside her chest—a sense of being wanted, but she didn’t understand why.

Her lips finally parted. "What... happened to me?" she whispered faintly, her voice barely audible.

"Don’t worry, Maria," Beta Gilbert said quickly, stepping closer to her. His face was lit with excitement and relief as he gently took her hand. "Just like the doctor said, when you get stronger, everything will be explained. For now, focus on getting better."

His warm touch and soft voice gave her a strange comfort. Maria forced a small smile, though her mind remained clouded with unanswered questions.

Cassandra walked closer, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. She couldn’t contain her happiness. Her best friend was awake—alive. "Maria, you scared me," Cassandra whispered, choking on her emotions as she carefully touched Maria’s hand. "I’m so happy you’re back."

Maria’s gaze moved slowly between her and James. She wanted to ask more, but her body was too weak to keep up with her mind. She simply held onto the moment, grateful that she wasn’t alone.

The doctor soon called Beta Gilbert and Bernard outside to speak with them privately. As they stepped out, Maria watched them leave, still wondering why Bernard seemed so... happy. What had she missed?

Outside the room, the doctor smiled at both men.

"I must commend you," the doctor began sincerely. "Whatever you all did worked. Maria’s recovery is a miracle."

"Thank you, doctor," Beta Gilbert said warmly. "But it’s you who deserves our thanks for everything you’ve done."

The doctor raised his hand in a modest gesture.

"There’s something I must emphasize. Maria’s healing process is not just physical. She will need love, patience, and all the support she can get to overcome the trauma of losing her parents and everything she has gone through. Please, make sure she has a strong support system around her."

"Absolutely, doctor. We’ve always been by her side, and we’ll continue to be there for her." Beta Gilbert nodded firmly.

Bernard stepped forward, determination in his voice. "I’ll personally make sure she’s fine, doctor. She’s... important to me."

The doctor smiled, satisfied with their response, and shook hands with both of them before heading back to his office.

When Bernard and Beta Gilbert returned to the room, they found Maria looking better already, chatting softly with Cassandra. The sound of their gentle conversation filled the air.

Just then, a nurse entered and politely asked everyone to leave. "Maria needs to rest now. Please, let’s give her some space."

James stood first, waving goodbye to Maria with a soft smile before stepping out of the room. Bernard followed immediately behind him, giving Maria one last glance before walking out.

Beta Gilbert, Luna Victoria, and Cassandra also made their way out. Cassandra waved with a bright smile. "Rest well, okay? I’ll see you soon."

Maria smiled back, watching them all leave as the nurse adjusted her drip and checked her vitals.

***

Meanwhile, back at Mrs Spencer’s house, Laura had remained quietly watching Mrs Spencer and Hadizah, the witch, as they completed their ritual.

Suddenly, Laura’s phone rang.

She quickly checked the caller and saw it was Cassandra.

Moving a few steps away so she wouldn’t disturb the women, Laura picked up the call.

"Hello, Cassandra," Laura answered eagerly.

"Maria is awake!" Cassandra’s voice burst with excitement.

Laura gasped, unable to contain her joy. "Maria is awake? Are you serious?!"

"Yes, she’s awake! We’re still at the hospital right now," Cassandra said happily before ending the call.

Overcome with joy, Laura turned to Mrs Spencer and Hadizah, who were now watching her closely.

"She’s awake!" Laura announced breathlessly. "Cassandra just called me. Maria is conscious!"

Mrs Spencer and Hadizah exchanged a quick, relieved glance, then moved swiftly towards Laura.

"Did I hear you correctly? Maria is awake?" Mrs Spencer asked with a hopeful smile.

"Yes, ma’am. She’s awake, and they’re still at the hospital. I’m leaving now to go see her!" Laura said, grabbing her bag, her excitement bubbling over as she jumped up and ran out of the house.

"Thank the spirits!" Hadizah said, her voice full of gratitude as she clasped Mrs Spencer’s hands tightly.

"Hadizah, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me today," Mrs Spencer said, overwhelmed with gratitude.

Hadizah chuckled softly. "You owe me nothing, old friend. You’ve done so much for me in the past... you saved my life. I’m only returning the favor."

The two women smiled at each other, their bond stronger than ever, both knowing this was only the beginning of what fate still had in store...