Journey's Child

32

Black turned to gray as I struggled to open my eyes. I felt like I was floating under the ocean. It pressed against me, making it hard to breath. My chest felt heavy and I fought to suck in air - which I was somehow able to do even as the water pushed me farther down. I heard a distant moan and wondered where it came from. I tried to move but that seemed to force me closer to the surface. Light began to leak under my eyes and I tried to go down deeper to get away from it. I was being pulled out of the comforting water and into the cold, harsh air.

I heard my name being called by a man's gentle voice.

"Gilly, it's okay I'm here. Wake up darling, it's okay."

I tried to answer, but the words wouldn't form in my mouth. I felt exhausted. I floated away and the dark water washed over me once again, gently rocking me until there was nothing.

*

This in and out surrounded by emptiness continued. I don't know how long it went on for, but finally I was able to break through to the light. The bright glare oozed under my eyelids and filled my head with a dull pain. I tried to protest but all I could manage was a hoarse moan. Then the deep gentle voice once again called my name.

"Gilly? Wake up darling."

I struggled with the weight pressing against my chest, making it hard to breathe. I worked at forcing my eyes to open against the bright painful glare, and for a second I saw his blond and gray mane.

"Aslan," I breathed.

Then the darkness covered me once again and there was nothing.

The next time the light stabbed at my eyes, I was at the surface of awakening. The deep slumber that had kept me safe was pushing me into the harsh brightness of a strange room.

"It's okay, Gilly. You're in the hospital."

"Aslan?" I asked.

"Gilly, it's Thad. You're safe and you're going to be okay."

I smiled at Thad as recognition took over. There was more I wanted to say but a strange lady came in and started listening to me breath and she shined an even brighter light in my eyes.

"How are you feeling today, Gilly?"

I wasn't sure how to answer. I hadn't been me for a while it seemed.

"Hum?" she insisted.

Everything sounded loud and I didn't like being awake.

"Okay," I managed to answer.

"Are you hungry? I'll ask the doctor if you can have something. He'll be in in just a moment."

She spun around and left as if she was in a big hurry.

"Thad," I croaked.

He moved closer and offered me a drink of water.

"Here you go."

I tried to sit up, but it hurt too much. I could tell by his expression that something was wrong. I was afraid to ask what happened.

"Hello Gilly, I'm Dr. Costa. I'm glad to see that you've joined us. How are you feeling?"

I looked at Thad and then I began to cry. I didn't know why, it just came over me.

"I don't know," I sobbed.

Thad held my hand and Dr. Costa began to shine another bright light in my eyes.

"Well, you just take your time. You can take it nice and slow," he said as he listened to my chest.