Chapter 258: Money

Vivian crossed the room in three long strides, dropping to her knees beside Maya's bed so she could pull the little girl into the tightest, most relieved embrace imaginable. She buried her face in Maya's soft curls as tears streamed freely down her cheeks, warm saltwater mingling with the flecks of drying blood speckled across her skin. "Thank God, thank God you're okay..." Vivian murmured fervently, cradling the back of Maya's head tenderly. Her body slumped, as if every ounce of tension was finally being exhaled. They had made it against all odds. Maya shifted in her arms, tilting her head back to regard her aunt with concern. "You got some ouches, Auntie Viv," she remarked plainly, raising a tiny hand to dab at a tear trailing down Vivian's jaw. "I'm just so happy to see you, baby," Vivian managed in a cracked whisper. "So, so happy." She held Maya for several more long moments, soaking in the simple act of watching the girl's chest rising and falling steadily with each breath.