129- Snakes

"Marissa! Little Greene," Rafael's gentle voice reached her ears, "open your eyes."

The darkness that was enveloping her slowly started dissipating.

Marissa kept crying and grinding her teeth but that soft familiar touch was on her cheeks now brushing away the tears. 

"Come on, my brave girl. Try to wake up," she felt the familiar lips on her face kissing her tears. With a hiccup, she opened her eyes and found him looking at her in concern.

"Marissa!"

"Raf… Rafael… where… were you?" she sobbed, her voice breaking.

"I was here. I was with you the whole time," his fingers were gently wiping the wetness off her cheeks.

"N…No… you weren't… wh…why…" she sobbed and felt him tightening his arms around her.

"Shh. Go to sleep. I'm right here with you," She could feel his rough cheek against hers and closed her eyes.

"D…don't go… don't… l … leave … m… me… Ra… Rafael…" she whispered to him.