Tina tried to focus her vision. The fast blinking made her head hurt even more, the bright lighting of the room didn't help the matter either. She clenched her eyes tight, trying to keep the rays of light from forcing their way in.

Her whole body hurt. She was numb.

She tried to find her voice. Hearing the sound of an unfamiliar tone, saying the words she had in her own head, startled her. It was her own. Her throat was clenched shut and dry, it did not sound like her at all. The raspiness, no doubt coming from the lack of usage, made Tina wonder how long she actually had been silent.

"What happened? Where am I?"

She was interrupted by a stranger's voice.

"Ms. Kennard. I'm Dr. Holder. Are you experiencing pain of any kind?"

Dr? I'm in a hospital.

Pain. She was numb, how could she possibly feel anything? Tina forced herself to focus on her body. Was she in pain? Her head was thumping like she had been hit by a truck, her legs were weak, the skin on her arms was on fire, and her stomach was burning when she adjusted her body. Then there were her eyes. She couldn't open them; the light was too much for her.

"My eyes. They hurt."

"Could you open them for me, Ms. Kennard?"

"I can't. I'm sorry. I can't."

Fear had started to settle on her body now. She was in a hospital. Her body had been through a tremendous ordeal, evident by the amount of pain she was experiencing. She was scared and she was alone. She felt a terrible sense of loss. The wetness of tears spilled through her closed eyes. It hurt. It all hurt.  

"Ms. Kennard".

"I can't-I'm sor-I'm sorry".

Her head had dropped. Her posture was one of a woman in turmoil. She had the physical appearance of a beautiful grown woman but she was slowly diminishing into a small child. The pain was evident on her face.

"Tee..."

That voice.

Trembles went through Tina's body. Had she heard correctly? She was afraid to speak. What if she was mistaken, what if she wasn't there? Tina shook her head. She couldn't handle it. Not again. Not now.

Tina heard someone walk up to her bed. For a minute she forgot to breathe. Then that voice filled the silence of the room again.

"Tee, open your eyes. I need you to open your eyes. Please."

Tina gasped. It was. It was. It was. It was. It was. The uncontrollable sobs began as quickly as they subsided. She fought with herself to control her body. She needed to calm down and gain power over herself. She really didn't know what to think. Why was she even here? It was all a blur.

The slightest touch of a hand brushed against her fingers. Calmness followed; something so indescribable that you're just lucky to be able to be a part of, for one moment in time. She willed her eyes to open. She needed to see the person whom was holding her hand. Although she already knew, she needed to see. She needed to see her.

Collecting all the strength she had left, Tina strained to blink. Slowly. Her brow was scrunched, and her face was filled with determination and pain. She blinked faster this time. And again, and again. She focused her vision, willing the blur away. And there she was.

Tina finally opened her eyes, landing them straight in the eyes of her. You.