Chương 40: The Hug That Broke Time

Lysithea pulled her in with force, hugging her as if she could absorb all the pain in the universe. — You'll never be alone again… never again… I swear on my life… you've come home, my daughter… my first daughter… Mirella and Graciela threw themselves on top, forming a trembling knot of bodies. The older children cried loudly, grabbing any part of Elara they could reach. If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

Sylvara screamed through sobs: — You were my big sister… I slept with the teddy bear you gave me… I never threw it away! Lirien: — I saw you in my visions… bleeding… alone… I tried to reach you and couldn't… forgive me! Rina: — I bit everyone who said you had run away… I knew you'd come back! Kuroe, voice low and broken: — I knew… but it hurt too much to believe… Even Joker and Harley—who didn't remember her—joined the hug. Joker, childish voice carrying something ancient: — Hey, big sis… welcome to the circus.

Harley, purple eyes full of tears she never shed: — We'll give you the biggest hug in the world… forever. Elara cried louder than anyone, clinging to each one as if they might disappear. — I dreamed of this hug… every day… in every battle… I died and came back just to feel this again… I love you… I love you so much it hurts… I came back… I came back… The hug lasted an eternity. Thirteen bodies. One single heart—broken and mended at the same time.