I could follow you to the beginning just to relive the start. Maybe then we'd remember to slow down at all our favorite parts. (Paramore, All I Wanted)

Christian was clutching my hand when my eyes opened. It smelled different. I wasn’t in the barn. I was in the hospital. There was a collar strapped around my neck.

“You’re awake,” he said with relief. His eyes were so pure and so earnest I regretted ever putting him through this.

“I was coming to talk to you,” I tried to say but the words filtered out backwards and jumbled.

“She’s awake,” he called out.

He didn’t leave to tell anyone though. He stayed there holding my hand tightly.

“I’m sorry,” I said and he kissed my forehead.

When a doctor sauntered in with my chart he asked to speak to me alone. He looked irritated.

“I’m her husband,” Christian assured and I smiled. That’s right, doc, this winner right here is married to me.