UPDATE: Five days after bullets tore through her small body, Maya is still fighting. There is now more movement on the left side of her body, while her right side remains still. There is damage to her brain stem where the bullet exited. The left side of her brain was severely injured.

Five days after bullets tore through her small body, Maya remains in a hospital bed, suspended between crisis and hope. Machines hum softly around her, monitoring every heartbeat and breath, while doctors and nurses move carefully in and out of the room. Though her condition is still critical, there are fragile but meaningful signs of resilience that her family is clinging to with everything they have.

Physicians report that there is now slight movement on the left side of her body — a development they describe as cautiously encouraging. Her right side, however, remains motionless. The injuries she sustained were catastrophic. A bullet exited through her brain stem, causing profound neurological damage. The left hemisphere of her brain was severely affected, and persistent swelling has made it impossible for doctors to fully assess the long-term impact. Specialists explain that brain trauma of this magnitude evolves over time, meaning that answers about recovery may not come quickly. Her path forward, they warn, will be long, uncertain, and filled with difficult milestones.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Maya has stabilized in recent days and is no longer considered in immediate danger of losing her life. This shift, while small, represents a critical turning point. She has now been cleared for the placement of a feeding tube to ensure her body receives the nutrition it needs to sustain the fight ahead. Doctors remain vigilant, carefully monitoring swelling in her brain and watching for neurological responses that might indicate improvement. There are still serious medical concerns — including fluid accumulating in her lungs and the potential for cardiac complications — but her care team emphasizes that she continues to fight.

Inside her hospital room, the atmosphere is both heavy and tender. Her family has not left her side. They speak to her gently, believing she can hear them. They tell her stories. They remind her how brave she is and how deeply she is loved. At times, they sing softly, filling the sterile space with warmth. They pray constantly, drawing strength from faith as they face a reality no parent ever imagines.

In a deeply emotional statement, Maya’s mother shared the final words her daughter spoke before she slipped into unconsciousness — words that have left an indelible mark on everyone who has heard them.

“Mom, I’m scared I won’t make it.”

Those five words, whispered in fear and vulnerability, have echoed far beyond the hospital walls. They have sparked waves of grief, heartbreak, and outrage throughout the community. Candlelight vigils have been organized, with friends, neighbors, and even strangers gathering to stand together in silence and solidarity. Messages of support flood social media. Prayers are being offered in churches, homes, and quiet corners across the region.

For now, Maya’s condition remains uncertain. Doctors cannot predict how much function she may regain or what challenges lie ahead. Every day brings new evaluations, new cautious updates, and new moments of waiting. But her family says they refuse to lose hope. They believe the prayers and love surrounding her have helped carry her through these first critical days.

They are asking the world to continue standing with them — to keep praying, keep hoping, and keep believing that Maya’s fight is not over.