"Wha–what's…" Maria gasped, her voice trembling as her eyes widened in confusion. Her breathing came in short, ragged bursts as she tried to move, only for Elisa to quickly wheel herself closer, placing both hands gently on Maria's shoulders to steady her.
"Easy, easy," Elisa whispered, her voice soft but urgent, doing her best to calm her down.
Luca had already risen from his seat, the sound of his chair scraping faintly across the tiled floor. His face was pale, tense, the kind of expression that betrayed both worry and suppressed frustration. Dora, on the other hand, merely sat up straighter, her eyes fixed on Maria but without making a move to rise. Her hands rested in her lap, still and composed, though a storm of unease quietly rippled beneath her calm exterior.
