*Rose*

“You’re so beautiful.”

Mark’s voice sounds hoarse and raspy as he tries to talk to me. He reaches over and caresses my cheek.

Neither of us have been awake for long. I opened my eyes first, a few minutes ago, and then watched as his eyelashes fluttered a few times, and now his blue eyes are locked on my face.

“How are you feeling?” I ask him, scooting toward him in bed so I can put my hand on his chest.

He coughs and tries to lift a hand to ...