I wake up in a panic.

There's a tube in my throat and one in my nose, and I can't stand the feeling. I try to lift my arms to pull them out, but both are held down by warm hands.

My eyes fly open, and Edward's face is above mine. "You're okay, Bella. We'll get that tube out in just a minute, but I need you to calm down for me."

You fucking calm down, Mr. No Tube in Throat, I think as I try to pull my hands away, but there's no moving possible.

I want it out, and I want it out now.

I glare at him as he calls someone over, and they start messing with the machine beside me. He tells me to take a breath, and I do it, but it's horribly uncomfortable and doesn't help the pain in my chest.

Eventually, he decides I'm doing well enough and says he's going to remove the tube.

"You're going to cough, and it's going to hurt, but I need you to keep coughing, okay?"

I nod, begging him to just do it with my eyes.

I regret it instantly as he pulls the tube, and I cough. My hoarse voice comes out in a whimper, but in my head, it's a scream. The pain is so incredibly intense that tears form in my eyes while I cough. My chest is on fire as I cry.

A nurse suctions out my mouth as Edward puts the oxygen tubing in my nose. Emmett finally comes into view and steps closer, taking my hand.

"You're okay, Bells," he says. "Just breathe."

I can't help but cry. "P-pain," I mumble.

Edward nods and puts something in my hand. "Press this when the pain gets bad."

I press it instantly and relief washes over me soon after. The pain is still there, but nowhere near as bad. I sniffle, and Emmett wipes my tears. Fuck, this sucks.

But holy shit; I'm alive.

It hits me hard that I'm still here and tears form in my eyes again.

"Heart … good?" I rasp out.

Edward nods as his eyes crinkle with a smile. "It's perfect, sweetheart. You did amazing—no complications whatsoever."

That's a little surprising. I figured my body would try something, but it actually cooperated for once.

"How are you feeling now?" he asks, sitting back down beside me.

"Still hurts some, but it's better than before," I say softly. "Thank you, Edward. I'd hug you, but I can't really move."

He chuckles. "You can hug me later. For now, you need to rest."

"I just woke up."

"The more rest the better, kiddo," Emmett says, brushing my hair off my forehead.

I am still incredibly tired and a little loopy, so I probably should close my eyes again … Which happens almost instantly.

Thanks to May, Nole, Fran, Brier, and Meg for prereading and Sally for Beta'ing.