Darkness.Suffocating….“Eden. Eden, wake up. Wake up now.” Harsh, inflexible command sliced through her nightmare, forcing her obedience, allowing her no other choice but to awaken immediately.Eyes opening, she gasped desperately for air, each wheezing breath made more painful by her sore ribs. The bedside light put up a pitiful fight against the deep, thundering dark. Galen stared down at her, his face a mask of light and dark. “Breathe.”Eden sobbed aloud. “L-l-light, p-please.” Bright light flooded the room. “Breathe, baby. Breathe in and out. Slow and steady.” Galen drew her onto her lap, rocking her, holding her close to his heart. “Breathe for me, kitten. That’s all you have to do, nothing else but breathe. Listen to me breathe, listen to my heartbeat. Now mimic me, breathe with me. Follow my heart beat. Good girl.”Her eyes closed, she simply listened to his voice, drawing from his confidence, his strength. Gradually the panic eased. Her heartbeat slowed as air filled her starving lungs.
