He had been sitting up in bed for hours just watching her sleep. Partially from worry, and partially because he wished it was something he could have for the rest of his life. He would love nothing more than to be able to wake up to her every morning for the rest of their lives. The color had returned to her cheeks, her lips had regained their inviting rosy hue, and the sun was coming through the window at such an angle...she was looking every bit the goddess he thought her to be. She was perfect as far as he was concerned...beautiful, intelligent, compassionate...but broken, so very broken. She had been sleeping so long it worried him. He was all prepared to rush her to the hospital when finally she stirred and opened her eyes slowly. He smiled as she stretched like a cat and focused on him.

"Well good afternoon. I was starting to worry. How are you feeling?" he said, placing a hand on her forehead to make sure she didn't have a fever. "I feel ok...achy, but I'm fine," she answered. They settled into an awkward silence. "Well, since you're feeling better I'll get out of your way and let you get some more rest," he said, getting up to get dressed. "Alec wait, don't go yet," she blurted out, motioning for him to reclaim his place in bed. He said nothing, but honored her request. "Thank you for last night," she began, "I ran out on you; I pushed you away, but you put your feelings aside and took care of me anyway. The least I can do is explain why I am the way I am." He could hear the emotion in her voice and he knew it was a painful subject for her. "Asha, you don't have to..." he began. "No Alec, I owe you an explanation," she replied. Her eyes were pleading with him to just shut up and listen, so he did just that as she began her story...