Alex wrung his hands and walked toward the hospital window. Outside

The rain pelted the glass. He spun on his toe and walked toward the

closed door. The heart monitor methodically beeped...and beeped...and

beeped. In the hall Alex could hear the clicking sound of lady's

high heels, the dull pad of tennis shoes, and the slap of bare feet

across the bleached tile floor. He turned back to the window. Rivers

ran down the screen and lightning gave the night a look of blue

daytime. Alex pushed the air from his mouth and rolled his head to

Dakota. The thin, limp, form underneath the paper covers lay still,

devoid of any movement. Alex narrowed his eyes and balled his fists.

Why are you like this when I need your advice huh?

"Wake up, dang-it!" The muscles in his jaw tensed and the room went

hot. With a whoosh and a bang the hospital door sprang open. A girl,

brown haired and green eyed rushed into the room, making a bee line to

the bed. "Hey Alex." She said.

His eyes widened as if that would help explain this new phenomenon.

"Julia?"

"I'll explain later Alex." Her pink lips attempted a smile

of comfort and then she turned to Dakota. She scooped up his icy hand

and whispered. "Dakota, it's time to wake up sweet heart. It's

Julia. Come on sweety."