FOR ORLA: A MOTHER'S REVENGE

d pregnancies, the arrival of her daughter, Orla, felt like a miracle. At six years old, Orla embodied every ounce of joy Liora had

ife Liora and Alaric had built together. It wasn't just the grandeur of the architecture or the manicured lawns

o balance the high-stakes demands of his career with the tender role of fatherhood. It wasn't uncommon for Alaric to spend his evenings explaining the intricacies of the latest technol

m a personal solace into a celebrated craft. What began as a therapeutic outlet during her most trying times had transformed into something far greater. Neighbors clamored for

city, a moment that felt both surreal and deeply validating. As she carefully folded her favorite apron into her suitcase alongside her cherished utens

with her family before departing. Orla sat cross-legged on her chair, her face alight with curiosity as she peppered Liora w

Orla's hair, admiring the ribbon that matches her dress.

he said, his voice filled with pride. His hand brushed against Liora's as he a

even for a short time, never came easily. Still, she trusted Alaric implici

ied travelers, overlapping announcements, and the occasional burst of laughter, felt distant, as if she were cocooned in her own thoughts. This opportunity was a sig

ic's name lit up the screen, and she answered with a smile, expecting a ca

eeping in. "It's Orla. Her temperature

imple fever that had spiraled into a harrowing ordeal. The image of Orla's

oice steady despite the rising panic w

. Relief flooded Alaric's tone as he replied, "Got it. Tha

She tried to rationalize it-children fell ill all the time, and Alaric was more than

t hum of the airport faded into a blur, replaced by the persistent rhythm of her heart

ri

w

re

went un

r growing panic. What if Orla's fever had worsened? What if Alaric needed help and couldn't re

ithout a second thought, her suitcase forgotten as she made her way to the nearest exit.

ture Orla, her vibrant energy dimmed by illness, and Alaric, his usual calm demeanor fraying

mind replayed the image of Orla as a newborn, her tiny fingers curling around Liora's thumb, her fragile form a reminde

familiar tree-lined street of their neighborhood. Relief mingled with antici

r, the practical measures she would take to bring Orla's fever down. Li