Dakota opened his eyes. Cool, clean air filled his lungs. This was a

very different feeling than before when he had woken up. He felt free,

alive. As if heavy chains had been broken off, as if someone had

turned on a beautiful light. He stared at the ceiling for a moment

listening to the sounds of the hospital; the squeak of tennis shoes,

the slap of bare feet, the click of heels, ringing phones, and beeping

machines. He could feel the presence of others in the room. Soft

quick breaths escaping slightly parted lips. Dakota eased his head to

one side. His hope sat in the chair next to him-the earth angel. Her

soft brown hair tumbling down her back, her big green eyes filling with

tears, her pink lips spreading uncontrollably into a smile. Dakota

touched her face to make sure she was real. Warm, soft, skin. He sat

up embracing her tightly. She held his neck, almost afraid to hold him

to hard. They stayed there for a moment, feeling each others hearts,

listening to each others breathing. If they had had the choice neither

would have let go ever again.