As consciousness slowly returned, the last memories came rushing in like a wave.

The image of the child she had tried to protect, and the desperate wish she had at the moment of death.

'I hope that child can survive...'

'I hope one day... they will be able to speak...'

The thoughts that had lingered at the edge of consciousness became clearer, and her heavy eyelids slowly began to lift.

She wondered if this was the afterlife, but soon realized it was not.

"The stone human is awake!"

"He’s awake!"

Unexpected, excited voices rang in her ears.

When she opened …