*Maria*

The darkness fades away but the aching pain remains. I open my eyes to a familiar golden ceiling. I'm lying on one of those snow-white beds in the nurse's office again, aren't I?

"M-Maria?"

I turned my head and see a sight that feels me with warmth. Aren next to my bed, watching over me like a guardian angel.

"Hey, you." I say.

"A-Are you really here and awake?"

I force my aching hand to move up to his ...