The Eyes Have It

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  “Allison…Allison…”

  I heard my name repeated over and over, like an echo in a canyon, seeming to come from far away. I couldn’t open my eyes, my eyelids wouldn’t cooperate.

  Where am I? Why can’t I wake up?

  If only my head would stop hurting long enough for me to concentrate. I cringed at the acrid smell filling my nose. It smelled as if… as if something was burning.

  Becky…the cottage…FIRE…!

  “Please be okay,” I heard James pleading…music to my ears.

  I wasn’t dead unless James was dead with me. As long as we were together, everything would be fine. A small smile touched my lips.

  “Allison…she smiled…did you see that?” I could hear the relief in James’ voice. “Allison honey…open your eyes,” he coaxed.

  I moved my head straining to lift my eyelids, but it took almost more strength than I had. I forced them open for a split second only to have them close again. I caught a brief glimpse of James, noting the worried frown on his face. We were both alive. I smiled again.

  “Come on sweetheart,” James urged gently. “We need you to wake up.”

  I was able to keep my eyes open longer than the first time, but couldn’t sustain it; it was such a relief to allow them to close again. Still smiling, I relaxed allowing the darkness to swallow me.