Sunday

"Okay, just breathe. Remember to breathe. Are you breathing?!" Shailene paces the glossy tile that acts as a mirror, reflecting on a day I will never forget. Her ocean stilettos echo through the halls, and my smile is glued to my face.

"Um, I'm pretty sure I'm breathing." I chuckle at my best friend's panic.

She's not even the one getting married.

"Whew! Okay great! Just. Keep. Breathing!" Her hands stay securely fastened on her hips and her gasps are exaggerated. She's such a drama queen!

"Hey, don't do this. Not today. You aren't my mother or father, so you don't get to cry." I catch her hands and hold them in mine.

Shay's flawless blonde curls wrap around her face, and the shine in her eyes is proof that she can't keep it together. My best friend's a mess!

Right after I accepted Aiden's offer to marry me, I told my brother, Ian, who now holds a permanent residence with his wife a few blocks away from us. Ian and his wife were thrilled, but the tricky part was yet to come. Shailene wasn't so easy to break the news to, but after having a girl's day out and setting the right mood, I spilled the beans.

"No, no, no. No way! I forbid this to happen! I object! I do not bless this arrangement whatsoever! You and Mr. Hyde will not be married!" She blasted in the beauty salon, which led her to earn stares of annoyance.

"No offense Shay, but it doesn't matter what you think about the situation. My brother approves and it's happening. I'm going to marry Aiden. I just thought you should know, and I'd really like it if you could be there." I peeked up at her stone face. Her expression in the mirror stressed great concern and aggravation, but there wasn't any reason for it. She had no reason to be worried for me.

"If you don't agree and you bail out of the wedding I will feel terribly rejected, but that won't stop me from marrying the man I love. I'm sorry."  My honesty shook her. It was a wake-up call telling her this is real, and denying it won't change the fact that I'm crazy in love with someone.

Shay's features relaxed, and her cold eyes receded. "Wow, no matter what gets between you and Aiden, you both always find a way to kick it down. I'm impressed."

"I- I'm not kicking you down-"

"What color should I wear?"

I shut my mouth and blinked twice. "Um, what do you mean?"

"Well, white's the bride's color so I can't wear that. White isn't my color anyway." Her nose scrunches at the thought. "Is there a theme or color scheme you want your guests to wear?" Her bright pink nails scratched her chin and she examined the foils chewing at her hair.

I gaped. "You're coming? This means you're coming!" I squealed and threw myself at her.

"Duh! Missing my best friend's wedding would be the start of World War III! Besides, if he really makes you happy then I want to do my part and support it." She patted my shoulders and smiled at my reflection in the mirror.

"Oh, Shay thank goodness! I really need you to be my wedding. Who else will help me with my makeup and dress?"

"Exactly girl! You need me to survive womanhood!" She boasted, and our giggling tangled the entirety of the salon.

Without Shailene, the whole wedding itself would've been a catastrophe, and Aiden is just as gracious of her help as I am. But now, it seems as if it's my turn to come to my friend's rescue. Shay's sniffling becomes thicker with emotions, and I reel her in for a hug.

"Don't cry, please. There's no need to cry, Shay." I soothe her locks down to her back as she cries all over my wedding dress, and I'm more than okay with it. Perfectly white dress or makeup stained dress, Aiden's still going to marry me.

"Oh God, your dress. Babe, I'm so sorry!" She exclaims and tries to wipe the smudges of makeup off my shoulder.

I burst into laughter. "Hey, it's not so noticeable. This will be the only time I wear this dress anyway." I lace my hands through the ruffles and fabric of the wedding dress Shay insisted I wear. Though it wouldn't have been a dress I pick for myself, it's not half bad, and I could honestly care less about my dress, or hair, or facial flawlessness. All I care about is Aiden and me, and nothing else.

Shay dabs at her eye as her laughter shake in her throat. "You remember the song you used to sing to me whenever I was brokenhearted and drunk?"

I purse my lips at the memory. "Somewhere over the rainbow," I mumble and a single tear drops down her cheek.

"Way up high. There's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby." Shay covers her face.

"That stupid song." she sobs and I end up holding her again.

"Shailene, I'm not dying, I'm getting married. Stop crying." In perfect timing, Ian calls from across the glossy hall.

"Woah, ladies no need for the waterworks. It's almost time." Ian's hands clasp together with a wicked smile on his face. It seems he's more excited than I am.

"Okay, okay. I think I'm done being an emotional rollercoaster ride." Shay gives me one last squeeze and sets off to grab her flowers, and I take Ian's arm.

A tower-like door hovers over us, with a twinkling golden finish and a sparkle that smiles at me. I marvel at it. This antique church had so much to offer that Aiden and I couldn't pass it up. The cozy warmth that spreads throughout the area and the space was too divine to be compared. Besides, the guest list was very much minimal. Shay, Ian, his wife, Landon, and the rest of our friends from work or friends our friends wanted to bring. Simple, easy, but most of all, classic.

"Hmm, where's this best man of yours?" Ian ponders, head scanning for Landon.

"I'm sure he's walking in through the side along with Shailene," I say casually, and Ian sighs in reply.

"You know," my brother leans down to whisper. "You look stunning, Alyson. Any unmarried man would drop dead if they caught a glimpse at you."

I hold back my grin. "Well good thing Landon's got his heart set on Shay."

We both share a laugh and Ian nods his head. "I was thinking the same thing, sis."

"That's why you're my brother!" I poke his arm.

When our laughter dies down, music whips into my eardrums and pricks my skin. It's time.

"Ian," My taut voice brings my brother's head to a tilt.

"Do you think I'm doing the right thing? Marrying Aiden?" The intensity of the music alarms my body into a rage of panic.

"If what you're really asking me is if I truly think you should be with Aiden, then my answer is-"

The doors in front of us swing open, catching me off guard, and we calmly make our way through the aisle. Familiar faces swarm around me staring at my statue face. Some are smiling and others are in tears, but most of all, a wave of affection drifted towards me in a breeze. The realization hits me all at once.

I lock eyes with Aiden and suddenly I'm not walking down an aisle or have fifty people watching my every move. I'm back at the apartment about to serve him a yummy breakfast and pray. I'm standing at the door as Aiden comes back from work with a smirk stuck on his face. I'm under the stars holding his hand watching the world go by.

I'm home.

The only thing we both can do is stare as if it's the first time looking at each other. His hair was combed and gelled and his fitting black and white tux could make any girl weak in the knees.

Aiden's mouth drops at the sight of me, and as I draw closer to the man of my dreams I'm glad Ian's supporting my weight.

The red carpet aisle is neverending, and rolls miles away from my destination. Eagerness jumps in my stomach, and suddenly I can't wait much longer.

The music chimes one last time and Ian kisses my hand and puts it in Aiden's. To the left, Landon stands with his hand behind his back and a small sign of affection shows in his eyes. To the right, Shay can't seem to hold her emotions as tears slip down her cheeks.

The priest starts his speech, but I zone out. Aiden is in front of me still in a daze, and I can't seem to break my grin.

After the priest reads his script and we say our vows, Aiden brings me closer to him impatiently. Right before we kiss to seal the deal, Ian catches my eye and I see him mouth a word that sets free my joy.

"Yes."

I beam and bring my lips on Aiden's. On cue, the crowd cheers. As my new husband and I glide down the aisle, Aiden abruptly lifts me in his arms and runs me straight towards the afterparty screaming.

"I'm a married man now!"

Needless to say, I don't remember most of it, but what I do know is it was the happiest day of my life. The start of a long life filled with joy, and it's all because of Aiden.

6 Months Later

"Alrighty, we're almost there. Just a little closer. Annnnd okay! Take off the blindfold!" Aiden commands and I reluctantly comply with his request.

"Aiden, darling, where did you-"

I shut my mouth when I make eye contact with it. A beautiful front lawn with green grass, an open space driveway, and a garage. A coffee-brown color tints the structure and the window above reflects the sun's glimmering rays.

"Well, do you like it?" Aiden's hand rest on my shoulder, and I almost ask him to pinch me. This must be a dream.

"Is this...our house?" I stutter with excitement.

His hands rest in mine. "I've always wanted to own a nice house, but I pushed that thought aside because I thought I'd be all alone. With you, Alice, I never have to be alone again. This is our home and I want to spend every moment in this house with you."

I can't speak. There's nothing I can say. So I jump on him instead.

"You got us a house! You're the best!" I scream and he spins me around. As Aiden tells me how glad he is that I like it, a thought suddenly hits me.

"Wait, how the hell did you pay for it?" He puts me down and strokes my cheek.

"Okay so... maybe Landon helped a bit, but it's not what you think."

I cross my hands, not believing him. Landon isn't our money guy, and he promised me he wouldn't ask him for money anymore.

"Alice, come inside. I'll show you what I mean." Aiden urges before I can riot against it.

He leads me into the house which already has some furniture and appliances set up. As if someone abandoned the place. It was an older style home but still was brand new in its own way. Wooden floors and staircase painted walls of fresh tan, and the smell of lavender filled the space.

"Umm are you sure this is our house?" I ask as disappointment pokes at my fears.

Aiden ignores the question. "I remember that couch. Lauren used to sit there for hours and watch reruns of Murder She Wrote. That lady loved a good mystery."

He paces over to the kitchen. "And this is the exact stain that taught me to never put aluminum in the microwave." He chuckles, pointing at a reddish faded tint on the wall.

"What are you-"

"Oh, look!" Aiden rushes to the stairs. "That's where I hit my head on the wall after my first week here. Wow, no one fixed that?" He asks no one in particular, scratching his head.

"Sweetie, what are you talking about?" I bring Aiden back to reality.

"This was my aunt's house. The one who took care of me after my parents decided they didn't want to handle me anymore." His voice drys at the thought, and my heart breaks.

I know his story, and he knows mine, but this house makes it all the more real. What awful parents, and a terrible start at life he had.

Aiden turns to face me. "Landon has been saving this house for me ever since you answered yes. It took forever for the paperwork to reach Landon, but soon after the salesman told him someone already owned it. Me."

"Okay, let me get this straight, your aunt put your name down on the house's lease before she died so it would be yours?"

His smirk enchants me. "My love, that's exactly what I'm saying."

Wednesday

"Okay, recap. That hole in the wall is fixed, the kitchen is repainted, the furniture in the living room is replaced, the dining room is complete, and the guest rooms and bathrooms are perfect. The only thing left is the master bedroom!" I check off everything on our housekeeping list while Aiden shoves his third slice of pizza in his face,

"Hey, save some for me, would ya." I cajole and Aiden slurps down a can of Coke.

"I saved you the pineapple slices. I hate that stuff." Aiden scrunches his face in disgust.

I take a slice from the box and exaggerate my bite. "Mmm, pineapple on pizza. My favorite!"

"Okay, we need to get a divorce. No wife of mine is going to like pineapple pizza." He demands, walking over to the trash and stuffing the empty pizza box he ate by himself not too long ago.

I reach for my can of Sprite on the marble countertop and take a sip. "Oh yeah? Well, no husband of mine is going to drink Coke and slurp like a dog!" I stick my tongue out at him and he returns the gesture.

"Okay breaks over! We need to finish painting our room." I take another bite of pizza and save the rest for later.

The color we chose for our room is sky blue, and if all goes well, I'll add some clouds on the walls for extra pizzazz. When Aiden and I reach the room, I turn up the stereo to my favorite song and grab a fluffy paintbrush from the bin. I'm rubbing a thin layer of blue paint over the back wall when strong arms lift me by my waist.

With this extra boost, I paint the very top of the wall with ease. When it's nicely brushed over, Aiden sets me down nice and easy.

"Look at us! Reading each other's minds, and using some teamwork. We rock!" I exclaim and Aiden and I high five like little kids.

"We do make a pretty good team," Aiden examines the sky blue wall and sighs. "but I think you missed a spot."

I step a little closer to the painted wall, shoes sticking to the giant sheets of paper on the floor. "Uhh really, cause I don't see-"

A cold strip of liquid brushes on my cheek. "Ahh, much better." Aiden points the paintbrush at me, satisfied with his accomplishment.

Two can play at this game.

"Oh no. Actually, another spot is missing. I should really do something about it." I swiftly reach for another brush in the container and flick paint all over Aiden. His face, arms, and shirt have splotches of baby blue.

"Awe, look, it's a little boy." I mock, and giggles escape me.

"This. Means. War." Aiden grumbles, and the next thing I know, there's paint flying everywhere. I snatch the rest of the paintbrushes and attack him with them. Aiden wets his hands with blue and smears it on me.

I stretch out and mix his hair with paint, then fall over in laughter. Unfortunately, I'm the only one who finds it amusing.

"That was my hair! You put paint in my hair!" Aiden flames, and bends over. He grips my arm and squeezes, his eyes a tunnel of pure black. Violently he shakes my body,

"Do you know how long it will take to get all this paint out my hair!? Do you?!" His voice erupts in my ears.

I wince. "Aiden, honey, you're hurting me." Aiden snaps out of his trace and stumbles back, face horrified and pained.

"Alice, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that, I didn't want to hurt you. I never wanted to touch you like that again, and I failed you. I'm so sorry. Please don't hate-"

"Hey, stop. It's okay." I crawl over to him as he moves farther and farther away in panic. "I know, I'm sorry for doing that to you. Let's just clean all this up and wash ourselves off, okay?"

Aiden nods in agreement, then that lovely smile returns to his face.

***

After ridding of all the waste and paint from the room, I decide it's clean enough and head to the bathroom connected to our finished sky room.

Lost in thought, I open the door and scream. There's Aiden, shirtless, with a towel barely hanging on his hips as he shaves his face. I cover my eyes and I hear him chuckle deeply.

"Cutie, why are you covering your eyes?" The charm in my husband's voice intensifies.

He just loves teasing me.

"Uhh, well, you see, I uh, I have some paint in my eyes, and yeah." I stammer like a broken record, and I feel his voice travel closer to me.

"You don't need to cover your eyes. You're my wife, remember?" He slowly removes my hands off my eyes, and I peek an eye out.

"I mean I could always go to another bathroom in the house."  I scoot closer to the door, but Aiden stops me. Eyebrows raised, he motions me into the rest of the bathroom.

"Well...okay." I reluctantly walk to the other sink and drown my hands in soap and water. I cleanse my hands for a good minute, but the paint is too stubborn. In the mirror, I do my best not to stare at my husband as he shaves his prickly hairs away.

When Aiden finishes, he dries his face from any extra cream and checks to see if he missed any hairs on his cheeks. Satisfied, Aiden sighs. His fingers are about to strip off his towel when I catch him.

"What are you doing!?" I shriek and cap my hands over my eyes again in fear. My husband dies of laughter before he finds the strength to speak.

"Okay, okay. Don't worry I'm shielded, Mrs. I-can't-look-at-my-husband-naked-yet." he hoots again at his own not-so-good joke, and I stay frozen like a statue.

"Come on Alice, no need to hide your face. I promise I still have the towel on." Aiden's voice has a hint of melodic amusement.

I separate two fingers from my eyes to see if the coast is clear, and I locate the towel still tied on his waist. I let a breath that I didn't know I was holding escape me.

Mischief drools all over Aiden's face, and I try to play it cool. "You know, I think you'd be doing the same thing if you were in my position." I proceed scrubbing off paint stuck on my hands, and Aiden closes the space between us.

"If you really want to test that theory, try it out and I'll show you how dead wrong you are." His hands join mine in the sink, and he helps me wash my hands.

At the exact moment, we view one another in the mirror, and I sheepishly smile. Turning off the faucet, Aiden takes my hands in his and plants a kiss on my forehead.

"I'm going to take a nice, soothing, warm shower, all by my lonesome self. Unless you want to join me?" Aiden winks, and heat rushes in my cheeks.

I let out a nervous grunt. "Ha, ha, very funny joke."

"Who said I was joking?" Aiden's somber voice baits, biting his lip in exaggeration. I push him before he can kiss me.

"Okay, just take a damn shower!" I spat, my patience now running thin.

Aiden shrugs. "If you say so," he pulls the towel down an inch, and my hands fly back on my face.

"Wait for me to leave, please! You stinking man!" I complain, and Aiden snickers as I exit the bathroom.

"Good thing I'm taking a shower then!" He snorts as I close the bathroom door. I'm going to be teased for the rest of the day, I just know it!

Saturday

"Aiden, you know I hate hearing soap operas. Can you change the channel." I ask politely while glancing at my art magazine.

"But honey, you're not even watching the TV! And look, Chad is about to confess his undying love to Clara, when little does he know she had a kid with his brother Marcus! It's set up for pure failure!" Aiden lies on his stomach his body taking up three-fourths of the bed.

"I may like background noise, but I don't need to hear how much Chad loves Clara on full blast. Besides, didn't he screw Lorri on last week's episode ?"

"Uhh yeah, but that's because Lorri's going to die and Chad knows she loves him. He was doing her a favor!" He tries to defend the fictional characters, but I'm not nearly as interested or convinced.

I close my magazine in horror. "Oh? So are you saying you'd make love to someone who's going to die? Even if you didn't love them and just so happen to have a wife?" I tested.

Aiden frantically flopped beside me. "Why would you ever think that!? I couldn't even touch any other girl even if I wanted to. I'm bound to you."

I grin triumphantly. "That's what I like to hear. But I will admit, I do like the name, Lorri."

Aiden turns off the TV with the remote and practically throws it on the nightstand beside him.

"How about we do something we both want to do. Together." He compromises. Aiden draws me closer, lips tingling below my jaw.

He's such a tease!

"And what would that be?" I ask, amused.

"I think you know..."

I hold back a giggle. "You're right I do."  I kiss his lips for a good second then say.

"The last one to the pool's a rotten egg!" I spring out of bed.

"Alyson Cohan, you're on!" Aiden screams from behind me, and I can't help but laugh my heart out.

Maneuvering past furniture and bypassing room to room, I make it to the pool first and splash right in. A half a second later Aiden makes his own splash and swims towards me in fury.

"You always beat me!" He whines as I spray water in his face.

"That's because I slide down the railing. Stairs are for rookies."

"That's cheating! You can't do that!" He shoves my whole body under the water and my vision goes blurry as I struggle for air. In a flash, he lifts me back up in worry. I start frantically coughing and choking on air.

"Oh God, baby I'm so sorry I didn't mean to dunk you like that are you-"

I splash Aiden again to shut him up. "Gotcha!" A proud grin is planted on my face, but Aiden doesn't find it nearly as comical.

"I thought I hurt you! You can't do anything like that!" He yells, and I paddle closer to him. He can stand but I barely touch the floor with my tippy toes.

"You're right, I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have done that. It's not funny. Forgive me?" I pout and Aiden latches onto my waist.

"I could never stay mad at you." Our lips meet and we passionately kiss until Aiden decides to break the connection.

"You're so cute with your hair all messy and wet." He plays with my fiery hair, and I run my fingers through his.

"Well, you're always cute!" I counter, and he laughs.

"Not a chance, princess. I'm the beast and you're the beauty, and the beast isn't the cute one."

My forehead connects with his. "Then I guess you didn't watch the entire movie of Beauty and the Beast. If I recall the end correctly, the beast turns back into a super, hunky, human prince."  I say matter-of-factly, proud that he actually knows what the movie is now.

I peck his lips and continue. "Which then makes you the cutie. Case closed. I'm right. You lose and I win."

Aiden's eyes roll, an action he adopted from me. "You always win."

"And intend to keep winning." I kiss his cheek one last time before sliding out of his embrace and gracefully glide away.

We both swim and act like children for a little while longer until the water becomes uncomfortable, and the coldness takes over our bodies.

"Baby, do we even own swimwear?" I ponder realizing that we always swim in our clothes and not bathing suits.

"I don't think so, maybe we should invest in some." Aiden wags his head like a puppy, probably trying to get water out of his ear.

"I guess there's only one thing left to do," I announce, and Aiden's eyes hold confusion.

"The last one to the shower has to do laundry for a month!" I shout.

"Oh, I'm totally winning this one!" Aiden rolls onto land and sprints back into the house.

"That's cheating, I didn't say go yet!" I call out, but I know it's already too late.

I guess I'm going to have a date with the washing machine every Sunday for the next month!

Friday

I'm about to exit when I holler once more. "Aiden, hurry up and say bye to me, or else I'm leaving without your kisses!"

I know what I said is a complete lie. Even if I was late to my own art convention I can't go anywhere without a final goodbye from my wonderful husband.

"I'm coming, my love!" Elephant footsteps plow down the stairs and when Aiden makes it to the last step, he squeezes me.

"I hope all goes well, baby. You're going to be amazing and surely everyone there will simply adore your paintings. I promise when you get home you and I are going to celebrate however you want."

I pull away from the hug, with a plan set in mind. "Do you think you can make some Chicken Parmesan before I get back? You know it's my favorite" I beg, though I know I don't need to.

Aiden tucks a strand of hair out of my face. "Anything for you, sweetie."

"And don't forget, I'm going to stop by the pharmacy to get that refill on those pills so, I'll be a little later." I remind him. Aiden's been doing better with his medicine, and I definitely notice a positive change from it.

"Yes, mother!" He jokes and hugs me tight again.

After several quick kisses, I head off to my art convention at school, counting down the minutes when I'll see Aiden again.

***

I'm driving the main road home while panic envelopes me. The convention lasted longer than expected, and I called the house to let Aiden know I'm finally on my way home, but it went straight to dial tone.

I keep calling to make sure he's okay, but the other line sends me straight to dial tone and disappointment. I drive twenty miles over the limit and pray that no cop stops me now.

I whined through the familiar road, and arrive at my house. In my parking spot, three enormous, red trucks with obnoxious flashing lights are in plain sight, as they hose down the house.

My burning house.....

I stumble out of the car towards the fire that consumes my house, with one single thought stuck in my mind.

Where's Aiden?!

My spaghetti legs head for the house that's engulfed with flames. It licks the windows and devours our walls in a fierce rage.

As I travel closer to my home, firefighters block my way. "Ma'am, you really can't go in there. Please just wait out here. We'll take care of this." A darker-skinned fighter informs me, but he doesn't understand. Aiden's still in there!

"No please you don't understand. I have to get through. My husband's in there. Please I have to get him. Please!"

I push and shove two other men holding me back, and the firefighter speaks again. "We already have Tim in there looking for him. He's the best there is, he'll find him." His voice is soothing yet firm, but nothing can destroy this fear and agony eating at me.

To my own surprise, I bulldoze through all the men and bolt headfirst into the blazing fire. They holler at me to stop, but I make it to the door without difficulty. Once I manage to enter, thick layers of smoke suffocate me.

My eyes water from the sting of the fire, and I breathe into my shirt. Hunched over, I stagger on the walls in hopes for some support, but the heat and blistering sparks have marked their territory.

"Aiden!" I call over the rustling flames, but I get no reply. The living room and kitchen are filled with smoke and heat. I take a chance and go for the stairs.

Crawling up the steps, I blink away the tears stinging in my eyes. The fire feeds off our house, cackling like an engine.

I reach the second floor and use whatever breath I have left to call for my husband.

"Aiden!" My dry throat breaks into a fit of coughing. I rummage towards our bedroom, where parts of the roof have already fallen. In the depths of the smoke, I notice a body lying flat on the floor. I stumble towards it.

I sob in fear. "Aiden, Aiden, wake up, please!" my voice chips. A piece of the roof has fallen on him, and I shove it off him with all my strength. My hands latch onto his, and I tug at him, but he doesn't even move an inch. I continue to tug, push, and even lift him, but I fail miserably.

I'm too weak, I can't move him.

I collapsed next to him, eyes burning, breath choking. I whimper. "I'm sorry, honey. I'm so sorry."

I force my body to lie beside him, and I close my eyes.

If I can't get him out, I'm staying here with him. I can't live without him.

The heat resonating in the house erupts in a bubbling spree, and I keep my husband close to me.

As the embers slither around us, I can't help but feel this is the best way to die.

If he burns, I'll burn too.

I embrace the fire with all my life.

***

I gasp, and my eyes flutter open. My body is numb, and bright lights blind me.

"Oh hell, Alyson you're awake!" Shay mutters. Her face is drowning in tears and snot, but I can barely remember what happened.

I attempt to speak, but Shailene hushes me. "Don't talk. You breathed in a lot of smoke, using your voice won't do you any good. Just lay there and be grateful you have damn insurance on the house."

Shay tucked more blankets around me and squeezes my hand.

"I prayed for you to be awake, for you to be okay. That fire was so horrible, but you're okay. You're going to be okay."

"A-Aiden.." I stamper, chest aching. My heart sinks to the floor.

"Shhh, yes he's fine. The hot firefighters got you both out in time. I even managed to get one firefighter's number! But in all seriousness, I don't think you should let Aiden cook for a while."

The bitter taste melts away, and the shivers down my spine are alleviated.

I inhale rapidly, and Shay kisses my forehead. "I'm going to get the nurses and tell them you're awake. Landon and Ian are here too. They came to see you both."

Shay pats my bed lightly and rises. Her back faces me as she exits, but before she opens the door she turns to me.

"Alyson, I'm so relieved you and Aiden are alive. I love you both."  Shay's lips tilt, and I try to return the smile.

When the door clicks shut, I'm faced with the utmost realization;

My husband and I are alive.