I open my eyes and see nothing but darkness, but I feel like I'm rocking back and forth, so I'm on a boat or in my hammock. I feel a cold cloth being put on my forehead.
"Ruby?"
Ruby says "Oh, you're finally awake!"
Suddenly I feel a weight on my chest, Ruby is lying on top of me hugging me tightly and crying. I raise my right hand to stroke her hair.
"Shh, shh, it's okay. I'm sorry for scaring you, I'm back."
Ruby says, "You've been sleeping for three days, I was so worried you'd never wake up!"
I hold Ruby tenderly until the tears stop. As I hug her, I can't help but think that it was worth it to come back, that no matter the pain I suffer or the hate I have to face, that this is my world now and I'm happy about it.
"You sound exhausted, did you stay awake the whole time I was asleep?"
Ruby says "Yes, I had to take care of you, you have a fever."
-It's okay now, I'll meditate and take care of it.
