That confirmation broke the dam.
Both children screamed "MAMA!" and rushed forward, crashing into Esme's arms with desperate force.
"Mama... mama... mamamamama!" Lily sobbed, her small fists clutching Esme's jacket. "Where did you go? Waah! I missed you! I missed you so much!"
Aiden wailed into her shoulder, his whole body shaking. "Mama... waah... don't leave... please don't leave..."
Esme wrapped her arms tightly around both of them, pulling them against her chest. "It's okay, babies. It's okay. Mama is back." She patted their backs gently, rhythmically. "There, there... I'm not going anywhere. Never again."
Ray, Jay, Kay, and the doctor stood frozen, watching the scene unfold. Tears streamed freely down their faces, but none of them moved—caught between disbelief and overwhelming emotion.
After a long moment, Esme lifted her gaze to look at them over the children's heads. A small, hurt smile played on her lips.
