A/N: Thanks for continuing to read the story, which I hope is becoming more engaging. If any of the characters or events are too OOC please let me know and I'll try and rectify it.
Thanks,
HQ21
Henry remained crouched beside Regina for several moments, staring at with wide eyes, as he reached towards her and gently nudged her shoulder.
"Mom" he called, his eyes darting across her pale and still form. "Mom!" he yelled more desperately, shaking her shoulder slightly more, but to no effect. Her body was still and her features relaxed, as blood trickled down her face beside her firmly closed eyes.
Henry's hand trembled on Regina's shoulder, as he turned from her and looked back down the path they'd just ridden down. His mom needed help right away, and he tried to work out the quickest way. He felt panicked and afraid and overwhelmed, but he pushed past it all, trying to focus solely on his mother.
"It's alright, mom" he stated, his voice breathless and unsteady, as he stared down at her firmly closed eyes. "I'm gonna go get help, it's gonna be okay" he stated, planting his hand upon the ground and standing, before running towards his horse, getting in the saddle and racing back down the path.
Cobra galloped obediently down the frequently-travelled path, encouraged by Henry to go even faster, as they made their way back towards the school. After five minutes of riding Henry heard the sound of nearby laughter, and he pulled on Cobra's reigns to bring him to an abrupt stop. Henry directed the horse across a small path leading to the clearing where they'd hand the recent camp out, which was the source of the laugher. As he approached, he could hear the searing of water upon flames, and the scent of barbecue lingered in the air. As he emerged from the trees which partially shielded the clearing, he felt himself relieved at the sight of the man before him, who was facing away from him and towards his son.
"Mr Locksley!" called Henry, dismounting and walking towards the teacher.
Robin picked Roland up and turned towards Henry, his broad smile gradually fading into a look of concern at the frightened look on the young boy's face.
"Henry" he stated, his tone dropping as the boy approached. He took in his attire and companion and recalled Regina telling him that she and her son rode every Saturday morning. But she was nowhere in sight. "What's wrong?" he asked, taking a step towards him.
"It's my mom" Henry said breathlessly, his voice full of emotion, his eyes wide and afraid. Robin felt his chest tighten. "There was an accident, she… her horse threw her and she went flying and she…" Robin gently placed Roland on the ground, before walking towards the panicking teen and placing his hands firmly upon his shoulders.
"It's alright, Henry" Robin began, his voice calm and unwavering, not betraying an ounce of the fear he was experiencing. "Where is she?"
"She landed on the ground so hard" Henry added, his eyes wide as he spoke. "She hit her head and it's cut real bad, she's bleeding" he added, his eyes turning to Robin's. "I couldn't wake her up."
Robin nodded in understanding, trying to remain calm despite feeling his whole body tense and his mouth go dry.
"Henry, where is she?" he asked, his voice calm but commanding. Henry inhaled shakily.
"Down the main path towards the fields. It look be about five minutes to ride here-" he began, as Robin nodded in understanding and rose to his feet. "She wasn't moving."
"It's okay" Robin stated, offering the boy a small smile. "I'm going to find her and bring her to the school" he continued, watching as the boy nodded enthusiastically in response. "Now, I need you to take Roland back to the school with you, find Doctor Whale and Mother Superior, and make them aware of what has happened, alright?" he asked, watching as Henry stared at him for a moment before nodding in response.
"Okay" he replied weakly.
"Good boy" he stated, rubbing Henry's upper arm reassuringly.
Henry turned on the spot and headed back towards his horse, as Robin walked towards his son and lifted him into the air.
"Daddy is Principal Mills okay?" he asked nervously, his dark eyes surveying his father's for an answer.
"She will be fine, Roland" Robin stated with conviction, as he carried the boy towards the horse and sat him in front of Henry. "Henry is going to take you back to the school, alright? I'm going to find her and bring her back too" he explained. Roland nodded in understanding and held onto the reigns, as Henry looked down towards Robin.
Robin asked for Henry to explain precisely where she was and he gave him directions. Robin had walked the path on several occasions before and believed he knew the area the boy was referring to.
"Please help her" Henry asked, his voice sounding calmer and less panicked than before.
"I will, I assure you" Robin returned. "Your mother will be quite alright" he stated, before saying goodbye to them both and leading the horse onto the path back towards the school. As soon as they had ridden out of sight Robin took a step back, turned, and ran as fast as he could down the earthen path.
Robin sprinted down the familiar pathway, the sound of his deep breath and boots upon the ground disturbing the otherwise silent location. His eyes were wide and alert, scanning the path before him for any sign of Regina. After what felt like an eternity, Robin arrived at the location where Regina lay, the sight before him causing his heart to sink, his entire body gripped by fear.
Regina lay in the middle of the dusty path before him, her back to him, her limbs entwined, her body still, completely unmoving. His breath caught in his throat.
"Regina" he breathed, running towards Regina and crouching down before her. "Regina!" he called louder, searching her for any sign of reaction, his eyes darting across her nervously. As soon as he crouched before her he found himself greeted by her own familiar scent, which was mingled with fresh blood.
Regina's face was pale and her lips were light, her eyes firmly closed and encircled by dark shadows. Her hair was neatly arranged in an intricate plaited style, which had been only slightly disturbed by her fall. Dust from the path stained her cheek and stained her hair, which was also matted by deep red blood, which Robin identified as coming from a deep gash on her forehead, around two inches or so above her right ear. His hand hovered over her injury and he winced, before lowering his hand towards her outstretched arm, pushing down the top of her riding glove and checking her pulse. Her hand was cool and weak in his own, but he sighed in relief when he felt how strong her pulse beat against his nervous fingertips. Robin's eyes drifted over the form of the fallen principal who, despite being unconscious, still wore a look of confidence and calmness, appearing almost serene. Her clothes were stained with dirt and dust, the knee of her leggings was torn and bloodied, and her riding helmet lay a few feet away, badly damaged. His eyes drifted back to the injury upon her head, which caused his chest to tighten and a wave of nausea to pass over him.
"It's alright" Robin whispered, before placing a hand tenderly upon her waist and pushing her gently back so that she was lying flat upon the ground.
Robin placed one hand beneath her right cheek and carefully tilted her head so that it was aligned with her body, allowing him to get a better look at her injury. The cut to her head was clearly quite deep, and despite the matter blood and dirt in her hair and upon her face, he judged that the bleeding was beginning to stop. He pressed his fingers lightly onto her forehead, brushing her fringe aside and leaning in to consider the injury, which was concealed beneath dark clots of blood which were encrusted across the skin and head. Her skin felt soft and warm.
"Okay" Robin breathed, removing a dark blue scarf from around his neck, and folding it lengthways.
Robin gently lifted Regina's head, placing the scarf behind it and lowering her back down to the ground, before wrapping the soft material across her injury and securing it. The scarf concealed much of the right side of Regina's forehead, and he turned the material up slightly so it would not cover her eyes. Her eyes remained firmly closed and her skin deathly pale, which was highlighted by the dark blood which had trickled down her face, drying quickly in the cool morning air. Once Robin was certain the make-shift bandage was secure, he pushed himself up from his crouching position and rose Regina's legs, hooking his right arm beneath them whilst supporting her upper back with his left. He gently eased her towards him and gathered her in his arms, her light and limp body falling against compliantly, as he rose to the ground. He adjusted his hold on her, ensuring that she was secure and that her head was supported, as she leaned against his chest. Robin rose to his feet and held her tightly, before looking back down the path he had just travelled, and rushing back down it once more, holding the unconscious body of Regina Mills protectively in his strong arms.
It took almost ten minutes for Robin to reach the school, which was bathed in early morning light, and felt like an oasis in a desert as he reached it. During the journey Robin felt certain that, on a few occasions, he had felt her stir in his arms. Each time he felt her weight shift or her head adjust its position against his chest, he would slow his pace slightly as he looked down upon her, calling her name and trying to encourage her to respond. On the first couple of occasions he suspected that he had perhaps imagined the movement, his desire for her to wake causing his imagination to play tricks on him, as adrenaline coursed through his veins. But the third time he felt her head moving against his chest, and when he looked down he saw her eyelids flicker slightly, as her fingers splayed weakly against his abdomen and she mumbled something which, although not clear, Robin was certain was 'Henry'. He offered her some words of reassurance and increased his pace, running towards the school as fast as he could.
A few minutes later he stepped onto the gravelled driveway at the front of the school, holding Regina tightly in his arms, as he made his way to the front entrance. The doors were wide open and there were figures stood at the top of the steps staring down upon him; he identified the figure of his son instantly. As he got closer he also recognised the now casually dressed Dr Whale and Mother Superior, who came rushing down towards him, closely followed by a very worried looking Henry Mills.
"Mom!" Henry called, as he ran behind Dr Whale and towards Robin.
"Henry told us what happened" Whale explained, adjusting his hold on his medical bag and placing his hand on Regina's head, scanning her body quickly. "Regina, can you hear me?" he called. "Regina" he repeated, slightly louder this time. Robin's eyes remained transfixed upon the pale woman in his arms. "Come" Whale stated, causing Robin to look towards him as he gestured for them to approach the building.
Robin nodded, holding Regina to his chest protectively as he followed the others into the school.
"Let's take her to her apartment, I can tend to her injuries there" he explained, indicating towards a large stair case. Roland and Henry quickly stepped in front, as Robin realised he did not know precisely where it was that Regina and her son lived within the school.
"Follow me" Henry commanded, placing his hand upon the bannister and running up the stairs, his footsteps echoing throughout the otherwise silent building.
Robin followed the boy obediently, mindful of his hold upon Regina as he ascended the stairs. As he reached the centre of the staircase he felt Regina's weight shift in his arms, her fingers flexing against his chest, but this time stronger; it was almost as though she was trying to push herself from his hold. She groaned lightly and attempted to move once more, before mumbling something low and barely audible.
"Regina, it's alright, hold on" he soothed, as the woman's body went limp in his arms once more.
At the sound of Robin's voie Mother Superior turned instantly towards Regina, watching her carefully as they reached the top of the stairs.
"Has she regained consciousness at all?" she asked, as Henry unlocked the door to their apartment and turned towards the scene with interest.
"She's… she's been trying to" Robin explained. "She keeps trying to speak or move or open her eyes. It's happened on several occasions" he stated, turning from Mother Superior to Dr Whale.
"That's a good sign" Dr Whale returned confidently, causing Henry to relax visibly, as he opened the door and stepped inside.
Robin carried Regina through the doorway and into her apartment, which was very spacious and open-planned. The rooms were large and beautiful decorated, the style as professional yet homely as her office, but he paid little attention. Instead, his eyes rested upon the dark wooden door which Henry led them towards, which was the sole barrier between them and the sanctity of Regina's bedroom.
Henry opened the door and flicked on the lights, stepping inside and heading towards his mother's bed. Robin followed close behind, stepping into the beautifully decorated room and gently easing Regina onto the soft sheets, ensuring her head was properly supported. He tried to suppress the sadness he felt at the loss of her body against his; his once warm chest now felt distinctly cold. Dr Whale walked past him and stood beside Regina, causing Robin to take several steps back in the unfamiliar room. The room was cream with oak floors, decorated with matching light wood furniture and décor. There was an ornate fireplace in the room, as well as a large double wardrobe, tall mirror, dressing table, chaise longue and a couple of armchairs. Regina's bed was perfectly made, the bedding matching the rest of the décor. The sheets were of high quality and very expensive, and as she lay amongst them Regina's paleness was further defined, as was the darkness of the blood which was now seeping through the hastily-tied scarf which Dr Whale was in the process of removing.
Dr Whale had put on a pair of examination gloves and placed his bag upon the bed, leaning over Regina and removed the scarf from her. He placed his hand behind her head and rose her slightly from the pillow, before gently tugging the scarf from beneath her and placing it upon her bedside table. Robin's eyes lingered upon the bloodied scarf for a moment, which lay beside an alarm clock, glass of water, bedside lamp and a book which he recognised instantly: it was the first edition of Black Beauty which he had offered her as an apology. From the bookmark in the centre of the text, it was clear that she had been reading it. Robin's eyes became slightly hazy as he turned back towards the injured woman.
"Daddy?" came a voice from the corridor, who stared at Regina's unconscious body on the bed, his eyes wide and his small body tense.
"It's alright, Roland" Robin assured him, his voice low and husky, as he headed towards his son and knelt before him. "Principal Mills hit her head and it made her fall asleep" he explained, watching as the young boy nodded in understanding. "Dr Whale is going to make her head better, and after she's had a little rest she'll wake up" he continued.
Roland hesitated for a moment, before glancing longingly towards Regina. Robin watched as Roland placed his hand in his pocket and removed the familiar figure of the hand-crafted horse, which he carried towards the bed. He walked nervously up to Regina, before reaching out towards her outstretched hand, and placing the small token in her palm, curling her fingers around it.
"He will make you feel better" Roland stated declaratively, before turning back towards his father. "He'll make sure she's not scared" he explained, earning a nod of approval from his father.
"I'm certain of it" Robin returned gently, walking towards his son. "Roland, Dr Whale and Mother Superior need to help Regina feel better, so why don't you come and sit over here, hm?" he asked, indicating towards the chaise longue on the other side of the room. Roland nodded obediently and allowed his father to lead him towards the seat. He pulled himself onto it and made himself comfortable, his eyes not leaving Regina. "That's my boy" Robin smiled. "Now you stay here, alright?" he asked, which was met by a nod of understanding from his son. Robin walked back towards the bed and stood beside Henry and Mother Superior, watching as Dr Whale examined the wound. "How is she?" he asked.
Dr Whale's attention remained fixed upon Regina's injury, which he explored carefully, his fingers gentle and light upon her skin.
"The wound's not as bad as it looks" he concluded. "There was a fair amount of blood, but there always are with these injuries" he added, reaching into his bag and handing Mother Superior some items. "Would you please clean the wound and apply the anaesthetic?" he asked, watching as the woman nodded in agreement. Dr Whale looked towards Robin. "She's going to need stitches" he stated in a low voice. Robin nodded in understanding, his eyes drifting towards Henry.
"Henry" Robin began gently, causing the boy to turn towards him. "Your mother requires stitches, and I'm sure it's not something that she would like you to witness. It could be quite unsettling."
"I'm fine" Henry stated, his tone and demeanour reminding Robin very much of the boy's mother.
"I know" Robin stated, placing his hand gently upon the boy's shoulder. "But your mother would not wish you to see the procedure, certainly not upon her" he explained. "Do you remember what you asked me, when you found me in the woods after the accident?" he asked, causing Henry's eyes to narrow with confusion as he nodded in response.
"I asked you to help her" he returned simply, his tone tinged with confusion.
"Yes, you did" he replied kindly. "And that is precisely what I am doing" he continued gently, watching as Henry turned from him towards his mother. "There is no greater way to help a mother than to protect her child" Robin continued, causing Henry to turn towards him with intelligent eyes. He knew Mr Locksley was right, his mom wouldn't want him to see her get stitches.
"It's my job to protect her" Henry returned, his voice low and confident. "And I didn't."
"Of course you did" Robin returned, watching as the boy turned towards him with a questioning expression. "Your mother was injured and you summoned help. Help which she otherwise would not have received" he explained. "If you hadn't acted so quickly the outcome could have been much graver."
"He's right, Henry" Mother Superior added, placing her hand upon his shoulder. "You really helped your mother today, she is going to be so proud of you" she continued. "But Mr Locksley is right" she added gently. "She wouldn't want you to see this" she stated. "It'll only take a few minutes, so why don't you take Roland and get him a drink and a snack, and sit in the living room for a short while?" she stated. "We'll come and get you as soon as it is done, okay?"
Henry hesitated for a moment, his eyes remaining on Mother Superior's.
"Do you promise?" he asked.
"I promise" she stated with conviction.
Henry nodded, before returning his gaze to his mother's unconscious form. He took a couple of steps towards her and kissed her tenderly upon the cheek. Her skin was soft and cool, and he could still smell her perfume and her soap. It made him feel calmer.
"I love you, mom" he whispered. "I'll be right back" he added, before turning on the spot and headed towards Roland, who he led from the room, closing the door behind them.
As soon as the door closed behind the departing children Robin took several steps around the bed and stood beside Dr Whale, who was preparing the items he needed for the stiches, as Mother Superior began to tend to the injury. She bathed it in warm water from the en suite, cleaning the blood and dirt from around the wound, which was about two inches long and half an inch deep. The pale Regina remained still as the wound was cleaned, and Robin's eyes searched her for any signs of movement or response, his concern increasing when he found none. But as Mother Superior applied some anaesthetic to the wound, Regina's eyelids flickered and she groaned in pain, moving her head away from the nurse's hands and towards Whale and Robin, as she attempted to open her eyes.
"Regina" called Robin, causing her eyes to widen at the sound of his voice, holding his gaze for barely a second, as her lips parted and she attempted to speak.
"Rob-" she began weakly, before her eyes closed and she leaned against the pillows, sleep claiming her once more.
Robin took a step closer to the bed, watching as she lay still against the pillows, her fingers gently flexing against the object in her hand. He narrowed his eyes in confusion.
"Regina" called Whale, stepping towards her and pulling a small light from his pocket, which he used to check her pupils. He leaned back and turned off the light, tilting his head towards Robin. "It's not uncommon for people with head injuries to float in and out of consciousness" he explained. "The fact that she has made several attempts to wake up, and that she clearly recognises voices and people, is reassuring" he added. "The injury is not severe, she just knocked herself out cold" he stated. "We'll have to wait until she is fully conscious to determine whether she's concussed."
Robin nodded in understanding, relief washing over him. For the first time since he heard of Regina's accident, he finally felt as though he could breathe.
"I just don't understand why she wasn't wearing a helmet" Dr Whale stated, watching as the anaesthetic was applied. "It's very unlike her to be so careless."
"She was wearing a helmet" Robin returned, causing Whale to turn towards him. "I saw it, just a few feet from where she… from where she was" he continued. "It was badly damaged, which I presumed occurred when she fell."
"Those things are pretty resilient" Whale commented. "Perhaps it was faulty" he conjectured. "Or damaged or… something" he added with a shrug of the shoulders. "But from Henry's description of the incident, she's very lucky that she wasn't more seriously injured." Robin nodded in agreement. "I called Geppetto shortly after Henry arrived back at the school. He took Henry's horse back to the stables, and assured me he would find Rocinante" he stated, as Mother Superior finished her work and Whale moved to the other side of the bed. Robin stepped towards Regina instinctively, standing close beside her as the doctor worked.
Robin's attention was on Regina for the entirety of the brief procedure. He watched as her chest rose and fell rhythmically, her cheeks adopting a slightly rosier hue, her eyes remaining firmly closed. Whilst Dr Whale stitched her head wound, Mother Superior tender to Regina's injured knee. She removed her riding boots and cut away at the fabric and pulled it apart, revealing the principal's knee and calf. Robin watched as the nurse cleaned the wound and applied some steri-strips and a bandage, before cutting away at the rest of the bloodied material, removing it from the unconscious woman's body. As soon as her knee was clean and treated, she applied some antiseptic to her hand, which was grazed and slightly sore. Her ministrations required her to remove the small wooden horse from Regina's palm, which she passed to Robin with a small smile. Robin's eyes drifted over Regina's body, considering her catalogue of injuries, and then resting his attention upon her face. Her long, dark lashes provide a contrast to her pale skin, but her lips and cheeks certainly appear to be adopting some colour, much to his relief.
"That's about all we can do" Dr Whale explained, packing up his medical supplies as he looked down upon Regina. Mother Superior, who had headed towards the en suite, now emerged laden with blankets from the airing cupboard, which she draped across Regina. "There's little else we can do until she wakes up, but I am certain that her injury is not serious" he stated with conviction, his eyes meeting Robin's as he spoke. "She'll be fine" he added, closing his medical bag and holding it in one hand. "Nevertheless, I'll be back every couple of hours to check on her. If either of you have any concerns, please call me immediately." Robin nodded in agreement.
"Of course" he stated. "Thank you."
Whale glanced from Robin to Mother Superior.
"You're happy to remain here, I presume?" he asked, and the nurse nodded immediately in response.
"Of course" she returned, earning a small smile from the doctor, who began to head towards the door.
"I'll make the boys something to eat and drink, can you watch her for a few minutes?" Mother Superior asked, causing Robin to turn towards her. He was worried that his presence would seem intrusive, but was grateful that she seemed willing to allow him to remain with Regina. "Roland seems so attached to her, and I feel certain Henry won't leave her side once he's back, so I'd like to make sure they've eaten" she smiled.
"Absolutely, thank you" Robin returned appreciatively. Mother Superior smiled once more before leaving the room.
Robin turned towards Regina and found himself watching her for a few moments, his eyes lingering upon her sleeping figure, as he considered the look of absolute peace and contentment upon her face. Even with an injured head, bandaged knee and bruising, she appeared absolutely beautiful, almost regal. He took a step towards her as he watched her sleep, turning the small wooden object over in his hand as he did so. He then eased himself onto the edge of the bed and lifted her hand gently, placing the horse in her palm and carefully curling her fingers around it. Her hand was warm and soft, and as his fingers draped themselves across hers the gesture seemed so natural, and he did not want to let go. But under the circumstances it felt almost intrusive, so he gently lowered her hand back onto the bed, tucking the wooden horse into her palm. Before his hand had completely left hers he noticed slight movement in her hand, as her fingers flexed and she increased her grip on the object in her hand. Robin looks up at her face and he watches as she gently moved her head to the side, before her eyes begin to open.
"Henry" she mumbles, her eyes half-open and her voice tired and confused, as she attempts to rise from her resting position.
"Regina" Robin breathed with a smile, placing his hand instinctively upon her shoulder in an attempt to direct her attention, and to stop her from hurting herself. "Henry's fine, he's in the next room, it's alright" he continued, rising into a standing position as the confused and semi-conscious principal continued to try to sit up. "Regina, lie down, please" he asked gently, as Regina rose her hands and reached for his forearms, causing him to remove his hands from her immediately, only to feel her hands drawing them back towards him for support, her warm hands upon his skin.
Regina felt tired and her head was throbbing. The light in the room was too bright and everything felt so unclear and fluid; her thoughts were muddled and she felt incredibly dizzy. The only clear and cohesive thought she was able to focus on was her son, Henry, whose name she repeated weakly as she lowered her head, desperate to turn away from the brightness of the room, which she was slowly getting used to. Robin realised that Regina would not lie down, so he sighed lightly to himself and began adjusting the pillows behind her to enable her to sit up comfortably, one hand remaining supportively upon her arm as he did so, her hands around his arm, anchoring her.
Robin spoke to Regina softly, in a gentle almost whispered tone, his words not clear to her immediately, but she was comforted. Her limbs felt heavy and her head was pounding, but the longer she was able to remain conscious the clearer her thoughts became, and the more embarrassed she found herself feeling. But at this particular time her moments of clarity were few and always fleeting, and were quickly replaced with dizziness and confusion, marring her thoughts as she tried to assess the situation. She felt Robin's right hand upon her upper back as he gently eased her into a sitting position, her hand still upon his left arm for support as she manoeuvred. She groaned lightly and winced in pain at the movement, as his hand drifted from her upper back to her shoulder, gently encouraging her to lean back. A few moments later she felt cool glass pressed upon her lips, and he was encouraging her to drink. She was incredibly thirsty and drank the cold water willingly, her eyes drifting closed once more as she accepted it. By the time Robin had placed the glass upon the table Regina was asleep once more, her head leaning to the right, planted upon his chest. Robin knelt on the bed to support her, adjusting the pillows behind her so that she was comfortable, before brushing some hair from her eyes. She hummed lightly in response, her eyes drifting open, her wide and dark eyes meeting his.
"Regina?" Robin asked cautiously, his eyes drifting over her with concern. She seemed confused and in pain, and it was clear to him that she was not yet ready to wake.
She looked up into his eyes and, upon realising how close she was to him, mumbled some words of apology before attempting to move away and give him space. Despite being disorientated she felt quite embarrassed, and attempted to turn to the side and ease her legs from beneath the blankets. Robin quickly realised that she was trying to stand, and he let out a small breath of air in surprise.
"No, Regina, you've hurt yourself, you need to rest" he explained, gently encouraging her back into a sitting position. She was stubborn even when she was semiconscious, but as she tried to fight his caring instructions Robin found him aware that her head injury was causing her to become confused, almost delirious. She needed to rest.
Regina mumbled some words of protest against his chest as he gently eased her back onto the pillows, his hand supporting the back of her neck as he lay encouraged her to lie down. Her face was against his chest and her body lightly pressed to his as he manoeuvred her back into a more comfortable position. He felt her chuckle lightly against him as he lay her back, pulling the blankets across her to ensure she was warm.
"What?" he asked gently, a small smile playing on his lips. Regina looked up at him from the pillow, her eyes wide yet languid, her weariness and disorientation ready to claim her.
"You smell like forest" she mumbled, her pale lips forming a wide smile, her eyes shining brightly. A moment later her eyelids closed once more, and Regina Mills was in a deep sleep against the pillows.