Emily's POV

"You are back!" I reached out to Willow in a tired whisper. "I thought you were gone."

"I never left," Willow said as she slowly made her way toward me from the depths of my mind. She looked terrible. Her fur was matted, her eyes had lost their brilliant spark, and she appeared to be in excruciating pain.

"I am happy you are here with me," I said. "At least you will be by my side when we are dying."

"Don't even think about it! It's not your time!" Willow growled, but it sounded more like a whimper than a growl, which made me laugh and cough.

"I...