LILA 

The soft beeping of machines filled the room, steady as a ticking clock.

I sat there, clutching Derrick's small hand in mine, waiting for him to wake up again. My thumb brushed lightly across his knuckles, memorizing the tiny ridges of his skin.

His fingers were still warm. Still real. 

I'm elated, more than happy. I can't just stop thanking the moon goddess less.

I had prayed, begged, bartered with the goddess for this moment.

And now that it was here, I could barely breathe for the fear gripping my chest.

Staring at his face, his features... All I could picture was Rafael this age battling with those demon....