Chapter 59

When Brandon's eyes came open, the first thing his brain registered was a voice. He drew in a breath and felt his lungs stretch somewhat sorely. Blinking once, twice with his gaze on the white structure, he watched the ceiling, zoning in and out. It wasn't until a blurry face came into his direct line of sight that his mind began the journey back to earth. He watched her smile with a delicacy that reminded him of warmth and fuzziness... And blinked.

"Brandon?"

He blinked again, stalling the easy urge to zone out again.

"Can you hear me?"

Something warm fell to his hand and his fingers jolted. That jolt forced his sight to focus.

"Hm?"

Her smile burned brighter. "Brandon." She disappeared and was back a second later, helping him sit up. He felt spent with a strange weariness that possessed an undertone of relief. What happened? The rim of a cup was placed on his mouth and he downed the contents like a man starved, not hearing her warnings to go easy. After his third glass, he took th