Sleeping Beauty 3/4

"Can you hear me love?"

I can feel the warmth of the sun. So cosy but a dampness too. I know I can't move. I don't try. Stiff but relaxed. My eye opens. I'm in a hedge. The light too bright.

"Stay with me love"

She's nice. I can hear her and want to stay but I can't. I want to tell her about today. I'm so excited. But no, I'm falling asleep. Mum's tucking me in. It's my bed at home. I'm 16 today. No, I'm 10, 8, 3. Mum's there though. Holding me. Stroking my back. Always there.