**Sanctuary**

Time lost all meaning as I lay there, my consciousness ebbing and flowing like the tides. I was aware of Hange's presence, of his warmth and his love, but I couldn't interact with him, couldn't respond to the gentle touch of his fingers or the soft whispers of his voice. I was trapped in a world of my own, a world of darkness and silence, where the only sound was the steady beat of Hange's heart. As the hours passed, I began to feel a sense of disconnection from the world around me. I was a ghost, a specter, hovering on the periphery of reality. But Hange's presence kept me grounded, kept me tethered to the world of the living. His arms were a lifeline, a reminder that I was not alone, that I was loved and cherished. I don't know how long I lay there, lost in my own private world. Time had no meaning, no relevance. But as the days passed, I began to feel a subtle shift within myself. My body began to heal, my wounds slowly closing as the machines surrounding me beeped and whirred their gentle song. Hange's arms never left me, never wavered in their hold. He was a constant presence, a steady heartbeat that seemed to pulse with life. And as I drifted in and out of consciousness, I began to feel a sense of connection to him, a sense of belonging. I started to dream, vivid dreams that seemed to pulse with life. I saw us, Hange and I, walking hand in hand through a sun-drenched meadow. The grass was green and lush, the flowers blooming in every color of the rainbow. Hange's eyes were bright, his smile radiant, as he led me through the landscape. In the dreams, I was strong, whole, and unafraid. I was myself, unencumbered by the weight of my injuries. And as I walked with Hange, I felt a sense of freedom, a sense of joy that I had never known before. The dreams faded, and I was back in the dark, quiet space. But this time, I was aware of Hange's voice, his words piercing the fog of my consciousness. "Baby, can you hear me?" he whispered, his voice soft and gentle. "Can you respond?" I tried to speak, to form words, but my voice was barely a whisper. Hange's face appeared above me, his eyes shining with hope. "It's okay, baby," he said, his voice filled with relief. "Don't try to talk. Just rest. You're safe." As I lay there, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I was safe, I was loved, and I was in Hange's care. And with that knowledge, I slipped back into the darkness, my heart filled with a sense of gratitude, my soul at peace.