Hirosaki couldn’t help but pace. He could sense that Ruth was struggling and yet despite his best efforts, he was cut off from her. His avenue of dreaming and joining her, was now closed off. Either by Ruth as a way to protect him or the entity in order to keep her isolated. He didn’t like either option. He hated feeling helpless. Reading to her was nothing more than a distraction. He continued to give her words of encouragement in the hopes that she was hearing him. He had to at least do that. Her life signs were stable and strong. When she made it through this, he was going to make sure she wanted for nothing. Don’t you mean, if? He shook his head. “Shut up.” He said aloud. The nurse that was caring for her looked at him and shook her head. No doubt she would go and retrieve the doctor a

