In the middle of the night she awakened, feeling movement at her side. Looking at her husband, she saw that he was sleeping fitfully, restlessly moving and muttering strange words. Occasionally, he would fling out an arm and cry aloud in what seemed like fear. Very disturbed, she tried to soothe him by patting his shoulder and murmuring reassurances in his ear. Ever so slightly, he began to relax and soon he was sleeping more peacefully. Yet she still lay awake, still watching and soothing him. Over the past few nights his nightmares had been getting worse. Unknown terrors still haunted him in his dreams, terrors she did not fully understand. Though he had told her everything, they both knew she couldn't understand the full extent of what was threatening them. Outside, the storm had long abated, and all was so still that she could hear the steady beating of her love's heart as he slept quietly. Only he fully knew what hardships still lay ahead, and only he knew how to protect them. Just the same, she vowed that she would help him in whatever way she could, that no matter what happened, she would stay by his side. Obstinately, she clenched her fists in determination. Nothing was going to take her love away from her again.


[dedication page]
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