the child's form eerily still and distorted in her arms. Her eyes, imploring and wide with desperation, refused to acknowledge the grim finality of her child's fate.

Tabitha, enveloped by a sudden chill of helplessness, wrapped her arms around herself, her posture curving with the weight of her feebleness. "I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." she murmured, her voice a quiet cascade of regret, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Mom, are you alright?" Daniel's soft, anxious voice tugged at Tabitha's heart, pulling her from the claws of despair. His innocent eyes, fixed on her, filled her fractured soul with a fleeting warmth. "My little Leaf," she whispered, a tender smile briefly lifting the corners of her mouth, ignited by maternal pride and love.

With rel...

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