by L. M. Reed
~ * * ~
“Allison…Allison…”
I heard my name repeated over and over, like an echo in a canyon, seeming to come from far away. I couldn’t open my eyes, my eyelids wouldn’t cooperate.
Where am I? Why can’t I wake up?
If only my head would stop hurting long enough for me to concentrate. I cringed at the acrid smell filling my nose. It smelled as if… as if something was burning.
Becky…the cottage…FIRE…!
“Please be okay,” I heard James pleading…music to my ears.
I wasn’t dead unless James was dead with me. As long as we were together, everything would be fine. A small smile touched my lips.
“Allison…she smiled…did you see that?” I could hear the relief in James’ voice. “Allison honey…open your eyes,” he coaxed.
I moved my head straining to lift my eyelids, but it took almost more strength than I had. I forced them open for a split second only to have them close again. I caught a brief glimpse of James, noting the worried frown on his face. We were both alive. I smiled again.
“Come on sweetheart,” James urged gently. “We need you to wake up.”
I was able to keep my eyes open longer than the first time, but couldn’t sustain it; it was such a relief to allow them to close again. Still smiling, I relaxed allowing the darkness to swallow me.