The Final Stalk

Dreams

After a busy morning of therapy sessions and doctor's visits, Ash and Izzy finally find themselves in the hospital room. Exhausted but relieved, they collapse onto the bed together, Ash's bandaged form nestled against Izzy's comforting curves.
Izzy runs her fingers through Ash's hair, her touch gentle and soothing. "How are you feeling, babe?" she asks, her voice soft and caring.

Ash lets out a contented sigh, his eyes drifting shut as he savors the warmth of Izzy's body against his own. "Better than expected," he admits, his voice low and husky. "Thanks to you."
Izzy leans down, pressing a tender kiss to Ash's forehead. "Always," she whispers, her lips lingering against his skin. "Now, why don't you rest while I keep watch?"

Ash nods, his eyes remaining closed as he allows himself to relax fully into Izzy's embrace. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, all work to lull him into a peaceful slumber.
With every breath Ash takes, he feels his strength returning, fueled by Izzy's unwavering presence. Despite the pain still lingering in his body, he finds solace in the knowledge that he's surrounded by love and support.

As sleep claims him, Ash dreams of a future where he's whole again - standing beside Izzy, laughing with Luca, living each day to its fullest. In these moments of reprieve, he knows that nothing will keep him away from those he loves.
Time passes, marked only by the occasional beep of the machines monitoring Ash's vitals and the soft hum of the hospital's ventilation system. Izzy remains vigilant, her gaze never leaving Ash's peaceful face.

Suddenly, Ash stirs, his eyes flickering open. For a moment, confusion clouds his features before recognition washes over him. He looks directly into Izzy's eyes, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"I had the strangest dream," he murmurs, his voice thick with sleep. "About us... about our future together." Ash's hand finds Izzy's, intertwining their fingers. "It felt so real, like it was already happening."
Izzy's heart swells at the sincerity in Ash's words, her thumb rubbing gentle circles against his palm. "Maybe it is,"

Ash shifts slightly, wincing as he moves his injured side, but he doesn't let go of Izzy's hand. Instead, he squeezes it gently, a silent show of appreciation for her steadfast support.
"Well," he begins, his voice still heavy with sleep, "in my dream, everything was perfect. We were happy, you, me, and Luca. There were no more threats, no more danger looming over our heads."

Ash's eyes shine with an inner light, reflecting the vividness of his dream. "And then, suddenly, I was standing tall and strong, healed completely. We were celebrating, a big party with friends and family..."
He pauses, his gaze locked onto Izzy's. "And then, when everyone left, it was just you and me. We were sitting by the lake, watching the sunset."

A sudden rush of emotion courses through Ash, his eyes widening in surprise. He turns to look toward the sound of the child's laughter, a fatherly smile spreading across his face.
"That's when I saw her," Ash continues, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with awe and tenderness. "Our little girl. Running towards us, calling for us to play with her."

His grip on Izzy's hand tightens, his heart pounding with joy and excitement. "She looked just like you, Izzy. And she had this beautiful smile that lit up the entire world."
For a moment, Ash is transported back to his dream, his mind painting vivid pictures of their daughter's innocent giggles and playful antics. He can almost see her now, running towards them with open arms, eager for their attention.

"But then,"
Ash's expression shifts, a hint of sadness creeping into his eyes as he recounts the final scene of his dream. "But then, reality came crashing back in. I woke up here, in this hospital bed, remembering it all too clearly."