Rebirth in Darkness

As I lay there, surrounded by the warmth and comfort of Hange's nest, I began to feel a sense of disconnection from reality. The gentle rhythm of the mother's heartbeat, the soft whispers of Hange's voice, and the warmth of his hand on my back all blended together to create a sense of timelessness. I was no longer aware of the passage of time, no longer bound by the constraints of the physical world. But as I drifted deeper into this state of regression, I began to feel a sense of stirring within me. It was as if my body was slowly coming back online, like a machine that had been shut down for repairs. I felt a spark of awareness ignite within me, a sense of curiosity that began to peek through the darkness. Hange's hand continued to pat my back, the gentle motion a constant reminder of his presence. I began to focus on the sensation of his touch, the gentle pressure of his fingers on my skin. It was a small thing, but it was a start. As I lay there, I began to feel a sense of movement within me. It was a small, almost imperceptible shift, but it was there. I was moving, slowly, incrementally, towards a new state of being. The darkness was still absolute, but I was no longer trapped within it. I was beginning to see, to perceive, to understand. And then, like a crack in the wall, a small sliver of light appeared. It was a tiny, tentative thing, but it was enough to give me hope. I felt a sense of wonder, of awe, as I gazed upon this tiny spark of light. Hange's voice whispered in my ear, "You're coming back to me, my love. You're coming back." His words were like a warm breeze on a summer's day, soothing and comforting. I tried to respond, but my voice was still trapped. Instead, I focused on the light, letting it grow and expand within me. It was a slow, incremental process, but I was determined to break free. As the light grew, I began to see shapes and forms around me. The nest, the hospital bed, Hange's face - all of these things began to take on a new reality. I saw the concern etched on his face, the love and care in his eyes. And then, in a moment of clarity, I saw myself. I saw the burns on my skin, the scars that crisscrossed my body. I saw the tubes and wires that connected me to the machines that kept me alive. But most of all, I saw Hange. He was my rock, my shelter, my everything. And in that moment, I knew that I would be okay. I would face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as Hange was by my side. The light grew brighter, filling me with a sense of hope and determination. I was reborn, remade, and rejuvenated. And I knew that I would emerge from this darkness, stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before.