"It hurts."
"Stop! Don't... No, I'm sorry, please."
With a start, Christopher heard Rose uttering desperate pleas for mercy in her sleep, compelling him to roll over and check on her.
Fearful thoughts raced through his mind, wondering if she was being attacked again in her dreams. He felt a wave of relief wash over him as she fell silent within minutes. Chris watched as his little Lark's breathing slowed, and he felt her tiny body relax as she dozed off.
Whatever it was, it had ended. His eyes remained on Rose as she slumbered next to him.
Chris was just about to nod off when suddenly he felt the mattress shake wildly beneath him as Rose leaped off the bed. His grey eyes filled with intensity as they fixed themselves on her frail figure. She slowly made her way toward the wood-burning stove. Chris could hear the crackling of the logs as they burned.
