I awaken to the sound of a crackling fire in a dark room, our room; only the reflection of half a moon casts its shadowy light over me as I look to my left. Dominic is sleeping, his breathing strong and steady and without thinking, I touch my ears; padded with something that feels similar to gauze. I no longer have the searing pain like before so I start to pull them off but stop myself. I can hear just fine with them on, maybe I need more time to heal?

A light breeze coming ...