Deborah’s POV

She slowly woke up, like dawn breaking. It was going to happen, and it changed her.

Deborah first noticed her breathing. It was steady and deep, filling lungs that felt new. Then she felt her heartbeat strong and regular.

But there was another beat too. It felt far away but also very close, beating perfectly with hers.

The feeling was so strong, so strange but also familiar, that for a moment she didn't know where she ended, and someone else began.

Erick.

His name echoed ...