Thankfully, the room was empty. So often lately she had woken and� She shook her head. Thinking about it would only make it worse. Forcing herself to lie back down, she pulled the thin blanket back up over her shoulder, well aware that she wouldn�t fall asleep anytime soon.

She found herself watching the clock, some song she had heard earlier repeating in her head. The silence was oppressive. Finally, it was 3:15. She pressed her eyes tightly closed, biting her lip. A cold breeze blew through her room, setting the curtains swaying. Once again she heard her name, so faint that for weeks she had thought she was imagining it. She bit down harder on her lip, one salty tear leaking from the corner of her eye. If only she could stay asleep. She could ignore it if she was asleep, but she never was anymore. Every morning it was the same.

�Chris� she whispered, and felt a gentle brush against her cheek, like someone pushing the hair out of her face.

Don�t cry, love.

She shook her head, not sure whether she had actually heard anything, or her mind was playing tricks on her. �No, no, not again.� She buried her face in her hands, unable to run away or scream.

The touch on her cheek came again, this time with waves of sorrow. I have hurt you�

Bernie shook her head again, �No��

Yes. I have.

Suddenly, Bernie felt the presence leave and knew that she had lost Chris again, though not for good. Never for good. She broke down, sobbing uncontrollably into her pillow.