Derek noticed the person in his arms had gone still.

After making sure she was asleep, he carefully laid her down on the bed. Then he got a warm washcloth and gently wiped away her tear stains.

Afterward, he took a quick shower in the bathroom, lifted the covers, and got into bed, pulling her back into his embrace.

******

I had a very long dream. From meeting Grandmother to all those days we spent together. Then the kidnapping, the explosion...

And Grandmother ...