Stacie

IT was like someone dimming the lights from inside her head.

No pain, but so dizzy.

She could still sense her daughter lying asleep in the crook of her arm, though she couldn't feel a thing.

There was noise all around her, but Adam--sweet, wonderful Adam--his voice cut through, lips pressed against her ear.

"I will extend peace to her like a river."

Thinking, I cannot be dying. This is not happening. I'm a mother now.

"And the wealth of nations like a flooding stream."

Please God, undo this.

"You will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her knee."

There's so much I want to experience.

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted."

Nothing to do but latch onto his voice as the darkness flooded in and unconsciousness loomed like both the heartbreaking end and the answer to so many questions.

"When you see this your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass. Peace like a river, Stacie. Peace to you. I love you Stacie."

His voice fading.

"I love you Stacie."

She could feel herself slipping, and she didn't fight it anymore.

"Always, Stacie."