Light seemed to suddenly invade my eternal rest. To my weak eyes the room appeared out of focus and uncertain.

I felt as if the life had been drained from my body. My limbs lay limp on my bed and my head felt heavy enough to fall straight through the ship. The moment I regained consciousness, the tears welled up. My eyes felt heavy. I tried to blink them wide-open, but the effort was too overwhelming.

I can't believe I am still alive. I can't believe I must go on living.

I let my eyelids rest again, but this time, I could not sleep. All I could think about were the events of the past year. I had been seduced and wed by a man who now served the most evil person in the Galaxy. I loved with all of my heart. Now I feel utterly ashamed. Anakin betrayed me, betrayed Obi-Wan, betrayed all those that he loved. He had killed younglins.

What kind of person am I to fall in love with such a man?

I know Anakin was once a good person, but any remnant of his goodness is gone. I feel so empty and alone. I curled up and turned towards my bed's wall. What will I do now? Where will I go? Where will my children go?

I heard my room's door open and light footsteps approached my bedside. "Padme, how are you feeling?" It was a familiar voice, but I didn't have the heart to face anyone.

How could I have been so blind?

"Padme, you could never have predicted Anakin's turn to the dark side. We both loved him and trusted him. Even I could not foresee his demise."

I understood rationally what Obi-Wan was saying, but I couldn't bring myself to face the truth: Anakin's dark destiny was out of my control. I felt Obi-Wan sit gently beside me. He rested a soothing hand on my shoulder.

"Would you like to see you children?"

The tears that had welled up since waking up began to pour out. I turned towards my friend and cried, "Oh, Obi-Wan, yes! Yes, I would like to see them."

Gently, Obi-Wan helped me sit up, put on my robe, and walk across the room. I was surprised at how weak my body still was. I had to lean on him so much that he was practically carrying me. My legs were trembling under the weight of my body. We left my rooms on the Tantive IV and crossed the hall to what I assumed was the nursery.

"Luke and Leia are beautiful," Obi-Wan reported. "Both have your eyes and your smile."

Both children lay sleeping in their cribs. As I looked down on them, I felt my heart leap in my chest. They were the most perfect living things I had ever laid eyes on.

For the first time since marrying Anakin, I was overwhelmed with joy.