It was the pained expression she made when she fainted. The way Helen was soon transported to the hospital, dying before John’s eyes. She looked so sickly, so…gone. The dullness in her eyes fading with each passing day. His first wife was dying from sickness.

And then, Helen’s face turned into yours. You were dying, too.

John wakes up with a start, his body jolting as he gasps. He’s quick to turn to his right, the darkness making it hard to see where you were. He was panting, breaths labored in a panic, sweat covering his body in a thin layer. He was looking for you. he can’t lose you, too.

A couple years after his first wife, Helen, died, he never thought he would love again. Until he met you. Retired once more, he began to fall for you, and soon made a new life with you. You don’t know of his former job, but you don’t seem to mind the vague answers he gives you of his past. After a few months of being married, he’s been having nightmares. About you dying, too.

“John…?” He hears your sleep in your voice, the lack of water. Your throat scratched as you tried to wake up, feeling him move around so much and the loud gasp.

John was relieved to hear your voice, but he wanted to make sure you were there, and not a figment of his imagination. He pushes himself to sit up once he turned his body to face you. His hands reaching to hold you.