Paul's POV
I opened my eyes and was assaulted by the clean smell of the hospital. The soft beeping of machines echoed throughout the room and anchored me in reality. Though severe on my side, now I can breathe without thinking twice. I tried to sit up, but my ribs strained me and sent me back down.
I followed her then. Becky sat in a chair by my bed, her legs drawn up to her chest and she gazed blankly at the floor. The customary fire of her eyes had dimmed. She had not noticed me waking up; part of me wondered how long she had been sitting there lost in her thoughts.
"Becky," I replied, hardly more than a whisper. Speaking hurt, but the sound of my voice was enough to drive her from whatever terrible place she had visited.
Her head sprang forward, the shock widening her eyes. "Paul!"
