Din’s eyes fluttered to the sunlight that peered in through the thin hospital blinds, thin rays of sunlight across the white sheets. He had barely slept all night.
Eyes weak, hands white, back aching from staying up all night.
Marie stirred slowly. Her eyelids moved, heavy, sore. She opened them a crack, bright light, too bright… then shut them again with a small groan.
Din sat beside the bed, elbows on knees, face close to hers. When her eyes opened that first time, his hand leaped to hers, fingers wrapping tight. A smile broke across his tired face, small, real, relieved.
“You’re awake, babe,” he whispered, voice rough and cranky.
Marie tried to smile back. Her head throbbed. She shut her eyes again, just for a second.
Claret sat in the only chair, head against wall, coat folded o
