Blue-Green 32

The darkness was complete. She had been looking at the light on her hand and knew it was time to trust in the Light that was within her. Taking a small breath, she gently blew and the flame flickered out. She felt a burst of relief followed by a moment of terror but Sue knew she wasn't alone. She walked forward and began to call for the sailor.

"Hector? Hector, can you hear me? Hector?"

Calling his name and holding steady, she went forward. She continued to walk for what seemed like an eternity. A touch on her hand caused her to stop.

"Hector?"

There was nothing. No noise. Just quiet. And a squeeze on her hand. Tears came to her eyes as the grip on her hand became solid. A second hand touched her shoulder and moved to her face. She stood still as fingers lighted on her features. They stopped when they felt the tears on her cheeks. The hand withdrew and she reached out her own. Making contact with his chest, she quickly found his face and placed her fingers on his lips. They were moving. She pressed gently to stop him from talking.

"Hector, I can't hear you." She felt his sharp intake of breath and was suddenly crushed in a desperate hug. Drops of salty water fell on her face and she could feel his jaw moving next to her head. It took her a moment to work her hands loose, and she pushed away just enough to reach for his head. Using her thumbs to still his talking, she repeated, "Hector, I can't hear you."

Taking her hands, he began to lead her in the dark. She followed, never once stumbling, until he stopped to open a door. He pulled her close as they went through the door and she felt the thump as it shut behind them. Walking forward, she hit the edge of a bed. She knew then where she was. The picture room. She pushed stuff away and sat down. For a moment, she thought she was alone until the bed moved, indicating someone sitting next to her.

"Hector, I need to see you so we can talk."

Nothing. Frowning to herself, she reached out. His back was to her and he was shaking. At her touch, she felt him jump. He turned and grabbed her hand. It was just like at the office when she grabbed Lucy. And it hurt. "Please, let go." He did so, immediately. She reached out for his face and found it. He pulled her hand tight to his cheek and sighed.

"I need to see."

His head shook under her palm.

"You can't stay here, in the dark forever. You can't live here."

He nodded.

She reached out her other hand and touched his chest. She felt him cringe back but didn't let him go. Placing her palm flat, she felt his heart start to race. It was what she had felt before, in her dreams. The fear, the terror and the fleeting hope that someone would want him even after his heart and spirit had been broken.

"Hector, you don't have to be alone. I've seen it. I've seen you. My heart breaks to know that you suffered but you don't have to be alone. I know Someone who has gone through the same thing and every time you've called for help, He's answered you. But you have to open your eyes in order to see Him. To see Him in me."

She took her hand from his face and grasped his hand. Placing it on her own heart, she whispered "Open your eyes…"