Chapter 97  Chapter 97  As soon as Grandma opened her eyes, everyone flocked to her side.  “Mom, you’re awake!” Dad exclaimed, rushing over to her.  Nicole’s face shifted dramatically, and she joined the crowd, though I caught a quick, icy glint in her eyes. I knew she had dark intentions; she wouldn’t let Grandma survive.  Grandma, with an oxygen mask on, couldn’t say a thing but kept her gaze locked in my direction. I wondered if I was imagining things–maybe she wasn’t looking at me but at someone else.  Even if she couldn’t see me, I couldn’t help but softly say, “Grandma.”  Strangely, as soon as I spoke, tears welled up and rolled down her cheeks. A thought struck me, and I quickly moved closer to Nicole. Grandma’s eyes followed me the whole way.  Wow, I was absolutely convinced she could see me!  “Grandma, can you see me? Can you hear me? If you can, blink twice.”  With effort, Grandma’s weary eyelids blinked twice.  “Grandma!” I was over the moon, rushing to her.  Just like before, even if she could see and hear me, we couldn’t touch. I lay against her chest, listening to her slow, fragile heartbeat.  “I’m sorry, Grandma. I can’t do anything to help you.”  Grandma opened her mouth, trying to lift her hand to touch my head, but no sound came out, and her arm wouldn’t budge. It was heartbreaking to watch.  Dad was frantic. “Mom, what are you trying to say?”  Tears streamed down Grandma’s face, while Nicole looked uneasy, maybe thinking Grandma would reveal her wrongdoing.  “Dad, the doctor said Grandma had brain damage when she fell. She was supposed to end up in a vegetative state but somehow pulled through. Now, she can’t move or speak but is aware of her surroundings.”  “Mom…” Dad quickly dabbed at her tears with a tissue, but they kept coming. “Mom, is there something you want to say?”  “Ah…” Grandma struggled to speak, managing only a small sound.  “Dad, I know you’re worried, but the doctor said we shouldn’t stress her.”  “Okay, I won’t. Mom, it’s okay. I’m back. I’ve got good news–Amanda wasn’t found in Shadowmoor. She’s probably still in the city and hasn’t left. Don’t worry, she’ll be back soon.”  Mentioning me made Grandma focus intently on my face.  Honestly, I didn’t know if I still looked the same as I did when I was alive because I could only see my body from the neck down and couldn’t catch my reflection anywhere.  But Grandma recognized me immediately, so I guess I didn’t look too scary.  I smiled gently at her. “Grandma, I’m back–or rather, I’ve never left your side. You just couldn’t see or hear me. Don’t worry. You have to get better.”  Despite my comforting words, Grandma only cried harder.  Trying to soothe her, I said, “Grandma, I’m gone now. The person I worried about most was you. Please don’t cry. I’m always here.” Maybe seeing my concern for her eased her tears, and slowly, she began to calm down.  Chapter 98  Chapter 98