The lids of his eyes fell heavy and slow. Darkness surrounded him for only a brief moment, yet it felt like an eternity.
As his eyes opened again, time slowed to a crawl. The sound in the room had faded away completely, leaving only a dull buzz in his ears. Even the sounds of his own breathing, of his heart beating, felt like a distant vibration in the air.
He watched as Ashleigh’s face contorted in shock and pain. The tortured expression scrunched her face in on itself. Finally, her mouth opened in a silent howl of anguish.
He swallowed, watching her fall to her knees as the grief hit her full force. Caleb wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. His lips moved against her head as he rocked her slowly.
For the briefest moment, Axel wondered what words of comfort he offered.
Was he telling her that he understood her pain? Was he telling her that it would be all right? Was he simply reminding her that he was there for her?
Axel swallowed.
