The night air hung heavy and cold. Maximus sat motionless by Rose’s bedside.

Five years. He had waited five agonizing years. The wedding dress had been hanging in the closet for five years, and Shiloh was already five years old.

"Rose, please. Just wake up. I’m so tired. I’m… I’m scared," Maximus whispered, his voice cracking.

Five years had taken their toll. He had aged significantly; when he looked in the mirror that morning, he saw the silver strands creeping into his temples. He was terrified. He was terrified that by the time Rose finally opened her eyes, he would be an old man. He was simply terrified.

Moonlight spilled through the window, painting the floor in silver. The shadow of a man hunched over a bed, weeping silently, looked as desolate as a shipwreck.

The next morning, Maximus left with red-rimmed eyes. He had arranged for a world-renowned specialist from Tokyo to fly in to examine Rose. He had to meet them at the airport.

Shiloh had received his "marching orders" from Daddy: keep Mommy company until he got back.

The little boy nodded eagerly, his excitement bubbling over as he scurried to the side of Rose's bed.

"Mommy! Guess what? Daddy’s eyes were so red today! Do you think he’s turning into a rabbit?"

He leaned in closer, his voice a soft, conspiratorial whisper. "Little bunnies are so cute. I saw one at Grandma’s house, and I touched its fur. It was super soft, like a cloud. Oh, and you know the cat, Pudding? Her fur is soft too. I wonder… if Daddy grows soft fur, he’ll be really cute, right?"

He giggled to himself, satisfied with the logic.

"Oh! Mommy, I learned a new rhyme today! Miss Jenkins taught me. She’s so gentle, Mommy. I bet you’re even gentler than her."

He paused, then puffed out his chest. "I’ll recite it for you, okay? I hope you wake up to tell me how I did."

He cleared his throat and began, his high-pitched, clear voice filling the sterile room. "Heaven and earth, vast and deep. Sun and moon, their watches keep..."

Shiloh was five now. Perhaps it was the influence of the stories Rose had whispered to him before he was even born, but he had a natural affinity for classic nursery rhymes.

"Mm… that was beautiful, Shiloh."

The voice was soft, melodic, and faint—just a ghost of a sound.

"Mommy! You’re awake!" Shiloh let out a gasp of pure, unadulterated joy. "Wow! You’re even more beautiful and gentle than I imagined! I missed you so much!" He stretched his little arms out, wrapping his chubby hands around Rose’s neck, pulling her forehead into his chest.

Rose inhaled, anchoring herself in the scent of him—warm, milky, and sweet. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over onto the hospital sheets.

A moment later, Shiloh pulled back, his large, liquid eyes searching hers. "Mommy, I’ve missed you so much. Daddy misses you too. So much."

As if remembering his duty, he suddenly jumped up. "He misses you, I have to go get him!" Without another word, he scrambled off the bed and dashed out of the room to find Maximus.

Rose watched him go, a faint, weary smile playing on her lips. She didn't want to look away.

She had finally drifted back from the void. Her little boy was five years old—it was a miracle. She had been trapped in the dark for five years, floating in a sea of consciousness, listening to the world go by. She had heard his prayers. She had felt his waiting.

Maximus rushed back into the room a few minutes later, breathless, his face a mask of shock and desperate hope. "You’re… you’re awake?"

"Yes, Maximus," she whispered, her voice like dry leaves. "I’m awake."

I heard you, she thought. That’s why I came back.

Meeting you was my greatest trial, the fire that almost consumed me. But we’ve made it through the flames. And now, I can finally see the light waiting on the other side.