Emilia was in the kitchen, her hands deep in soapy water as she scrubbed dishes, letting the familiar rhythm calm her. The morning sun filtered through the window, casting a soft light across the room. Just as she placed a clean plate on the rack, a loud commotion sounded from the hall.

She turned, alarmed, as Jasper, Ruby, and Diamond burst into the kitchen, their faces flushed, breathing hard. Their eyes were wide with fear, and Emilia’s heart dropped.

“Mama!” Jasper gasped, clutching his side as he tried to catch his breath. “It’s Papa… he’s in the forest… he collapsed!”

Emilia’s breath caught, and she immediately knelt down, holding his...