I lay on the cold ground for hours, tears streaming down my cheeks; my baby cried, and I could not find the strength to comfort her while I wept, the weight of fear and despair pressing heavily on my chest.

The door creaked open, and Maria dashed in, her face etched with concern.

"Are you all right?" she asked, her voice filled with concern as she helped me onto the bed. I sat up, leaning against the bed.

I shook my head, unable to speak due to the sobs that were coursing through my body.

"Let me get the babe, she must be hungry; I could hear her from miles...