I used to like darkness. Something about it was so comforting. I could be surrounded by it and feel comfort because I could feel its presence all around me. I could look into it and find all nothing – it could hide even the ugliest of things.

But right now I find myself terrified. This darkness is a whole new kind – a kind I never knew existed. It engulfed me, suffocated me, buried me under layers of despair. It was like I was fighting the harsh currents of a black ocean and losing. Like if I stopped struggling, the black would take me over and suck me in. Like if I opened my mouth for too long, the black would pour into me and forever end my existence.

I knew where I am; trapped inside my own body. I can't remember exactly what brought me here, but I know it couldn't have been good.

There were lots of noises around me earlier, but there haven't been many recently. Or maybe the noises were just surrounding me and I've only been left with the silence for a couple of moments. I'm not really sure. I have no sense of time.

I know some of the noises were voices. The voices were quiet and sounded like they'd been slowed down and stretched out. It was like I could make out the language, but was too tired to try and make out what the words meant.

I'm not going to lie, though. Just the noises were comforting. Anything to distract me from the thick darkness.

I want to walk, or move, or blink, but I realize I can't. It's only now I'm aware I don't seem to have a body. I don't have hands or feet or lips. I guess I sort of just am. I don't know what that means for me, but there's nothing I can do about it.

I stew in the darkness for a while longer, terrified.

And then I feel it. A warm breeze surrounds me, making me realize I have been cold this whole time. Or have I? I'm not really sure. This warmth wasn't exactly WARM if that makes any sense – it was more like a feeling…a feeling that washed through my non-existent body and made me feel safe.

I'm content with this warmth, and I think I can last a while longer in this darkness now that's its here. But before I get the chance to, I hear something. A whisper softer than the wind. I think the noises are from out of this dark place, but I hear it again, louder now, but just as gentle as before. Once the volume increases, I understand what is being said, and it takes no effort for me to do so.

"Paige."

Though I'm not sure how, I know this voice is somehow connected to the warmth I'm feeling, and have no reason to fear it.

I try to reply, "yes" but cannot speak. I'm surprised when I hear my "yes" echo through the darkness.

"Come with me."

The warmth pushes me (though I'm not sure what there is to push) and all of the sudden, I blinded by brightness.

I close my eyes tight, warding off the pain, but then slowly open them again when I realize I HAVE eyes. Still squinting, I look down. I have a body again. My body. I'm sitting on a green, grassy ground, hands in my lap, and I can feel sun shining on my neck.

I look up slowly, shielding my eyes from the light with my hands, and gasp of shock when I see a person standing before me.

I know who she is immediately. Even if I hadn't seen pictures I would have been able to identify her. She had raven hair, like mine, and icy blue eyes. She held herself tall, like she was someone important – someone strong.

We hold eye contact for some time, and then her lips curve slowly up into a light smile.

"Paige."

I swallow hard and use my hands to push myself off the ground. I am face to face with her now, and I swallow hard again. I feel something course through me – fear, maybe? – and take a step backwards.

"I'm only here to help Paige. Don't be afraid."

She moves forward slowly and takes one of my hands. I watch as she does it, disconnected, as though this is some scene in a movie.

"Do you know who I am?"

I look back into her face, then slowly nod.

"Paige, do you know what's going on?"

I think for a moment, and shake my head.

"You're unconscious right now. In a hospital." The girls face saddens a little. "In a coma."

I blink. Well, that makes sense.

"What," I stop speaking, surprised by my own voice, but then muster up the courage and continue. "What am I doing here?" I use the hand that she isn't holding to motion to what I've come to see is a park.

"Like I said – I'm here to help you."

I blink. "Help me do what?"

Again, I notice a change in her face. I can't make out what emotion it is she's feeling, but she speaks and I stop trying to.

"Get back to our sisters."

And then I remember – the fight, the stairs…Piper.

I turn away, grabbing my hand from her gentle hold and crossing my arms on my chest.

I hear her sigh and then feel her hand on my shoulder.

"I know you're hurting, Paige. I know what happened. But they love you. And I know you don't want to…..die..right now..so..please. Let me help you."

I turn back and face her. I purse my lips and feel the need to stick out my hand.

"It's nice to finally meet you."

She looks at my outreached hand like I'm insane, and then laughs softly. Before I realize what's happening, I find myself surrounded by warm, strong arms.

"It's really nice to meet you too, Paige."

I don't hug back at first. I'm confused and scared and happy and intimidated. Emotions are coursing through me like fire and before I know it, tears are pouring down my cheeks.

"Hey…." She says gently, and begins rubbing my back. "Hey, shhhhh, it's okay. It's okay."

I sniff and pull back, wiping my face off quickly. I manage a tight smile.

"Paige….I know you don't really know me. But…I know you. Sort of, anyway. I watch you guys, you know? And…I'm sorry I've never gotten to meet you before." She pauses. "You've done really great, Paige. I'm proud of you."

With those words, I'm unable to hold back the tears and they come pouring out of my eyes. I sob surprisingly loud, and she pulls me back into her arms, murmuring soft, sweet words. I lean into her and rest my head on her shoulder, allowing myself to feel comfort in the arms of the older sister I'd never gotten the chance to know.