The Horror Library - The Best in Horror Fiction

Breath of Eternity
By Bailey Hunter

Printer-friendly version

Asdis sits in the back of the dimly lit cabaret. She often comes here to "people watch". So far tonight there has been a parade of lavishly dressed, heavily painted rich divorcees, on the prowl for a young man to chase away the middle-age blues. Several married, overweight sweaty men, looking for one night stands willing to pay whatever the cost. A few, finely garbed gay men and the fag hags that follow them, hoping for a party or perhaps, a lifestyle change. The latter makes Asdis grin.

She loves it here. Life is truly more interesting at night. All the thing's humans hide during the bright light of day come into full bloom once the sun goes down. It also makes picking her victims that much easier. Sure, her prey is available during the day, but at night the choices are so much better. Like a supermarket versus the corner store. As Asdis sits and watches the room, techno-pop music blaring in her ears, she spots her victim. The blood begins to rush through her body, senses heightening. The smell of the prey fills her nostrils. Its rhythmic breathing fills Asdis' ears drowning out the music and the din of the crowd now.

From her corner, Asdis watches her entree. A fine specimen, petite, maybe five-foot-two, strong well-toned muscles, dirty blond hair teased to the point of being immovable, short black skirt and a red top about two sizes too small. Her face is painted flawlessly accentuating her doe like eyes, Cupid bow lips, blood red without a hint of lipstick. She could not be more than nineteen years old, but her life has been lived as long as it was going to be.

Asdis steps out the back door that she has been sitting next to. Once in the alley, she focuses on her prey still inside, calling to her in a silent voice. Inside, the girl feels an inexplicable pull. She scans the place for the back exit and heads toward it, not understanding why. Stepping out in to the alley, she spots Asdis. Gently Asdis takes her hand, leading the prey further down the damp alleyway. Softly she speaks to her, lulling the girl into a state of security.

In a blur, Asdis is upon her, grabbing the girl's head, pulling it back by the hair. She is paralyzed with fear, shock. Her eyes search for meaning as Asdis draws the breath, the life force, from this lost child. A steady stream flows from her mouth into Asids', all of her being feeding Asdis. Her limbs begin to collapse, first her arms then legs, torso, chest and finally the head, leaving just an empty, withered husk.

Asdis drops it on the ground as her head rolls back in ecstasy. The husk bursts into powder upon hitting the ground, blowing away in the stiff autumn breeze. Energy courses through Asids' veins. A momentary dizziness overcomes her, as it always does after a feeding. As she staggers back against the graffiti covered wall, Asdis feels the cold, hard surface with splayed hands. Better than drugs she thinks, steadying herself.

After a minute or so, Asdis pulls herself together. Smoothing the tangles out of her curly auburn hair, and straightening her coat, she heads back into the cabaret. Now it's time to really have some fun.

"Mmmmm, that was a tasty treat." Asdis mumbles, licking her lips. "Better go to the bathroom and fix myself up."

The bathroom is an overcrowded, poorly lit little room. Women clamour for space at the counter, primping and preening in the smoked glass mirrors. Forget diamonds, bar mirrors are a girl's very best friend; they always make you look good or at least better than normal. Standing back, Asdis uses her silent voice to make room for her self. The women part like the Red Sea, opening a space that Asdis fills.

Head cocked, gazing at her reflection, a grin creeps across her face. 'I look pretty good for five-hundred and thirty-two,' she thinks, keenly aware that it's her looks that make hunting a lot easier for her than many other Suspira.

Taken in the prime of her beauty, never hardened by age and nurtured with care and love, have all gifted her with a look of innocence, pretty, but nothing too outrageous. Add to that, her tiny stature barely scraping five feet tall, and harmless is the word that comes to mind.

In fact the only outstanding feature on her face, are the large almond shaped violet eyes, an odd shade even in these days of coloured contact lenses. This is the only area to which she applies make-up. Her eyes have been her best feature for five centuries. Through all the different styles of dress and adornment, her eyes have been the focal point of her face. They seemed to capture the light no matter how little, turning it into a dazzling, sparkling show, mesmerizing all those who stare too long.

One last look in the mirror and Asdis is ready to go back out into the cabaret for some fun. Emerging from the washroom, she observes an attractive young woman at the bar talking with the bartender. Asdis attunes her sense of hearing, eavesdropping on the conversation.

"She was supposed to meet me here. Are you sure you haven't seen her?"

"What does she look like?"

"She's short, with dirty blond hair, wearing a red top and a black miniskirt." The woman's face displays her concern.

"That could be anyone lady. I don't have any messages and I haven't seen your friend. Sorry." The bartender turns to serve another customer, leaving the young woman standing there.

"And you never will." Asdis whispers to herself. 'I think I shall go over and introduce myself to the worried friend. Perhaps I can take her mind off that girl.' Slowly, she saunters over to the young woman and sticks out her hand. "Hi there, my name is Asdis but you can call me Addy if you like." Her voice sickly sweet.

"Huh? Oh, I'm Sandy. Hey, uh, have you been here long?" She eyes Asdis cautiously.

"About an hour and a half. Why?"

"I am looking for my friend, she said she'd meet me here and now I can't find her."

"What does she look like?" A little thrill weaves through Asdis at this game of cat and mouse.

"Well, she's short with dirty blonde hair…"

"Teased up? Was she wearing a red top?" Asdis interrupts

"Yeah, that sounds like her. Have you seen her?"

"She was here earlier. I saw her leave out the back with a man. They looked very friendly to me." Asdis continues to spin her yarn, revelling in her abilities.

"Damn that Georgia! She calls me out and then dumps me for a roll in the hay. I'm going to kick her ass when I see her."

"Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I have been sitting here all by myself and could use some company. You are welcome to join me if you like."

"Sure, why not? I didn't get all dressed up for nothing." Sandy cheerfully accepts the invitation, seemingly over her friend's disappearance. "Let's start by ordering some drinks" she says, her voice bubbly.

Asdis hails the first waitress that passes, ordering a vodka tonic for herself and a rye and coke for Sandy. Quickly downing that, Sandy gets up to go to the bar. "Do you want another?" She asks.

"No thanks, I am fine for now." Asdis smiles as Sandy heads for the bar. 'This is going to be an absolutely delicious evening. Hmmm... I may have to keep this one around, for a little while anyway.' Asdis watches her new best friend as she makes her way back to the table, drinks in hand. The stiletto heels making it more of an adventure than it should be. "Those shoes ought to be on a lethal weapons list somewhere." Asdis jokes as Sandy sits down.

"Yeah, they're my secret weapon" Sandy giggles. "Actually, I just got them a couple of days ago. I'm still learning how to walk in them. It was Georgia's idea. I'm not sure that I would have bought them if she hadn't been there. I think she figures I'll decide I don't want them and give them to her. Fat chance of that now."

"How did you and she meet? If you do not mind me asking, that is."

"Oh, well, I met her on the way to work. I take the bus and one day I saw this girl sitting across from me crying. She looked so young and vulnerable I just had to ask if I could do anything for her. We started talking, and to make a long story short we became good friends. I'm a little older than she and we don't have the same take on life, but we enjoy each other's company. She makes me feel young and I give her some stability."

"Interesting. I always find it fascinating how people come together. Sometimes it's a relationship that started in grade school, other times it's a real twist of fate. Sort of like you and I. If Georgia had not left on you, we would never have met. Personally, I am glad that she left." Asdis' intrigue with Sandy is growing.

A truly kind human is hard to find. Most humans have their good points but overall they are not very pleasant. They turn the other way when someone is attacked or in need of help. They bow their heads when they pass a homeless person. They treat their old like lepers, to be herded into homes and forgotten. The rich become richer off the suffering and hard work of the poor. Even before she was given the Breath, Asdis harbours disdain for humankind, perhaps this is why she was chosen in the first place. Now after five centuries of watching them from the outside, Asdis has come to see the humans in a very jaded light.

Take for example Georgia. On the face of it, a lost child reaching out for help, but dig a little deeper and you have a con artist preying on those who would care. She gains their trust and compassion, then she robs them blind. She not only stole monetary items, she stole their ability to trust, to care about a fellow human being. She took their faith in humanity.

This one, however, seems to be genuine in her concern for others around her, reaching out with a childlike innocence to lend a helping hand. It is a quality that draws Asdis deeper into her, wanting to learn more about her recent entree's friend.

"What do you say to leaving this place and finding somewhere more suitable for conversation? My throat is getting raw from trying to talk over the music." Asdis shouts.

"Well, uhmmm, I don't really feel like hanging here either. This place was Georgia's idea. Do you have somewhere in mind? Is it someplace we can walk to? Nothing personal, but I don't really know you, so I don't intend to get into a car with you."

"I understand, no offence taken. There is this great little tea room about six blocks from here. Do not worry; tea is not the only thing they serve there. You just have to know how to ask." Asdis flashes a mischievous smile.

Sandy and Asdis grab their coats, and head for the door. On the way past the bartender, Asdis stops and hollers to him, "If you see that girl in the red top and black miniskirt, her name is Georgia. Tell her Sandy left and will catch up with her tomorrow. Thanks." The bartender nods as they leave.

Out on the street cars whiz past, spraying water behind them as the two women walk and talk. The cold, damp air causes their step to be quick, or as quick as is possible in stiletto heels. Asdis holds onto Sandy's arm to steady her.

"Where are you from anyway? You have a strange accent. It's really formal. It's English but not quite right. I mean..." the wind is unable to hide the blush in Sandy's cheeks.

"I was born over seas in Greenland, but I have done much travelling so my accent is what you call very muddled. Careful now, the sidewalk is slippery, especially in those shoes. You know, I live just up there." Asdis says, pointing to the little brownstone on the corner. "If you want, we could go get you some more appropriate walking shoes. I think we wear close to the same size." Asdis plants the message in Sandy's subconscious 'Yes, you do. Your feet are too tired to go on. No danger here.'

"That would be great. I feel as though my feet are going to fall off any second now. I don't know how Georgia walks in these things. Oh well, lesson learned, stiletto's are not for me." Sandy laughs as she follows Asdis up the stairs.

Looking for her keys, Asdis feels her pulse begin to race. She has not felt this giddy over a potential victim in years. "Here we go." Her voice strains to hide the thrill of anticipation.

Once inside, Asdis heads off to her room to find a pair of feet friendly shoes.

"Nice place and so close to everything too. Do you own it?" Sandy calls out as she inspects the house from the hall. "So what is it that you do for work?"

Just then, Asdis emerges from her room carrying a pair of black granny boots. "Oh, I am an antique's dealer. I find rare and beautiful things for others. As you can see, I do pretty well for myself. Here is a pair of boots for you I also brought an extra pair of socks in case they are too big." Asdis holds out the footwear for Sandy.

"Thanks, but, uh, could we maybe, stay here? I could run to the wine store and get us some nice red or white if you prefer." Sandy bites her lip, apparently a little unsure of herself.

"Actually, I was just thinking the same thing. I am so glad you brought it up; I did not want to put a damper on the evening by suggesting it myself. The best part is I have my own wine cellar. It is not too big, but more than enough to satiate our needs. Take off your coat and head down the hall. The living room is at the end. Make yourself comfortable and I will be right back."

In the wine cellar, Asdis looks for the best bottle of red wine she can find. The whole time she talks to herself, "Calm down, relax, take it easy." This is turning into more than she had expected. What was this feeling? Why was this woman any different from the others? She was supposed to be just another meal, what is going on? Finally she finds a 1938 Pommard, takes in a deep breath, and heads back upstairs.

Asdis stops just outside of the living room and watches Sandy take in the surroundings. The furniture is the only modern thing in the room. A soft beige leather sofa and chair with a marble coffee table in the centre are perfectly laid out next to the stone fireplace, as to invite conversation. Masks and figurines of all types fill the living room. There are paintings covering the walls, each one more beautiful than the other. These are the treasures of her lifetime. A great Nordic sword hangs over the mantel. It was her maker's and the most important thing she owned. Oh, how she missed Ivar. Better to not think about it lest she begin to weep.

'Well, I should not keep her waiting any longer.'

"I see you found it." Asdis chirps as she puts two glasses on the table. "I hope this will do. I had a difficult time deciding which bottle to pick. I so rarely have company that I almost forgot to bring two glasses."

Sandy takes the bottle from Asdis. "Here let me open that for you. Wow, 1938, I don't think I have ever seen anything that old before, let alone wine. This is going to be special, and here I was going to buy an eight dollar bottle."

"As I said, I rarely have company so it is special to me. I do so much traveling in my line of work that I do not have many friends. In fact you are the first visitor I have had in over a year."

"That's a shame." Sandy says as she pours the wine. "You have such a beautiful home and it is so well put together. You could be an interior decorator if you wanted. I've never had a flair for that sort of thing. As long as I don't trip over it and can get around it that's good enough for me." She hands a glass to Asdis, holding up hers for a toast. "To new friends. May they last forever."

"Here, here" Asdis pipes in, touching glasses with Sandy.

Asdis senses her new friend staring at her, when suddenly Sandy blurts out, "You have the most amazing eyes. I've never seen violet eyes before. They look so exotic. Like Elizabeth Taylor."

Asdis feels her cheeks begin to flush "Thank you, I feel they are my best feature. I must admit I was a little perturbed when they introduced violet coloured contacts. I like to be unique, at least a little bit." Laughter fills the room.

"Mmmmm. This is really good. I guess I'm ruined now. Cheap wine will never do again." Sandy says jokingly.

Settling down across from each other, the two women continue to talk. At first the conversation is light, questions and answers about the present; What do you do? Where do you travel? How did you get into that line of work? Anyone special?; that sort of thing, then moving into the past. Where did you grow up, what were you like as a child? Etc…

More wine is poured, more bottles opened. The conversation becomes deeper. They discuss philosophy, politics, religion, morality and all the other subjects that most dare not approach. As the night wears on, Asdis lights a fire. Bathed in the firelight, they continue batting about ideas and opinions. Friendly debate fuels the discussion, carrying it into the dawn of a new day.

Sandy notices the rays of the sun, peeking through heavy damask curtains. "Oh my gosh! We've been up all night. I should let you get some sleep. If you show me a phone, I'll call a cab."

"Don't be silly. I had a great time. I have an extra room if you would like to sleep here. I have much more space than I really need. You could get some sleep and then go home." "It is up to you" Asdis quickly adds, trying not to sound too needy.

"I really do have to get home, I have a cat and if I leave her too long she gets quite indignant with me. I would like to hook up with you later on, if that's OK. I had a really good time too." Sandy hands Asdis a card. "My number is on the back, give me a call when you are rested and we'll do it again if you like."

"Count on it. The phone is just inside the hallway there. Do you need a phone book?"

"Naw, I have it memorized. I don't drive. There are enough cars on the road." Sandy smiles and calls a taxi.

As the cab pulls away from the curb, Asdis hugs herself. This is the one. The one she has been waiting for all these centuries. Never in her life after Ivar, has she met someone so like minded, so open, so deserving. The only question now is does she offer her the breath of eternity, or, does she give her no choice in the matter. Never mind, the decision will be made tonight when they meet again. She is much too tired to think on it now. Asdis crawls into bed fully dressed and falls fast asleep, dreaming of things to come.

When Asdis awakes it is dusk, the whole day has slipped past. The weather outside, is as the day before, cool, damp and windy. Most people hate this time of year. Asdis loves it, the colours of the leaves, the brisk air, the end of the living so that the time of rebirth may come again. To her it is the perfect symbol of life, her life. After taking her time getting ready for the evening, showering, dressing and such, Asdis gets the card Sandy gave her. Her mind races like a teenager. 'Should I call her now? I should probably feed first. I will need the energy if all goes according to plan.' Deciding that feeding first is a good idea; she grabs her camel hair coat and heads for the unsavoury section of the city. This is her preferred hunting ground. It is the area where the homeless, the indigent and those without moral fibre exist. It is a place where one can disappear and no one looks for you. Full of shadows and forgotten buildings, it is the perfect place for a predator.

Strolling down the litter ridden streets, she checks the doorways for one of strong will. As she nears the little slab of green known as Pigeon Park she spots her next meal, a young man with a dirty face and black heart. A drug dealer and a pimp, he wears his hatred like a badge of honour. Asdis slides into the shadows to watch the man. He is strong. His muscles show through the tight sweater, tattoos adorn his neck and hands, probably the rest of his body too. People come to him in a steady stream looking for their next fix willing to pay the cost be it money or dignity. Every so often he wanders over to one of his girls, cursing, threatening or smacking them for complaining about the cold.

Asdis watches from the shadows. His heart has been dead for so long, it was time for his body to follow. Using her silent voice she beckons him. Like a good little soldier he comes to her, his sense of superiority intact. As he draws closer to the shadows Asdis steps out to greet him, smile on her face.

"Waddya want, bitch? Looking for a rock or a job?" He spits the words out like venom.

Asdis continues to smile. "Come with me, and I will show you. I have something you will be very interested in. I have hidden it just back here." She points into the shadows beyond the tree-line.

"Are you a cop or something? What makes you think I'd be interested in anything you have, besides your body that is?" Asdis can sense his curiosity hidden behind the macho exterior.

"No cops here, they would just get in the way. I am certain you will want to see this." She winks at him. That does it. He follows her into the trees, all the time warning her that this better be worth his while or else. Deeper into the shadows they go.

"All right bitch, where the fuck is it?"

"Right HERE." Asdis throws him upon the ground, straddling his abdomen, holding his arms tight to his body with her legs. The preternatural strength she has, enrages him as he tries in vain to break free. As she moves her mouth closer to him he cries out, "Vampire!" Asdis clamps her mouth over his, sucking the life's breath out of him, draining him as she did Georgia and so many, many others. When it is over, the powder of his husk blows forth into the night, scattering in all directions.

Asdis lies back against the cold wet grass, waiting for the dizziness to pass. "Fool. I am no Vampire. I do not drink blood, I can go out into the light of day, I eat and drink real food. I am Suspira." she hisses at the particles of dust floating about her. She hated being called Vampire. Vulgar creatures. Oh well. He was a young, virile, waste of human flesh and he was an excellent meal.

Some of her kind choose only the weak and infirm. They can sustain life, but the life they have to give is minimal, their need to survive weak. Others, like Asdis, choose those who are strong in the body, with blackened hearts. Their life force is strong providing a great source of food and energy. Feeding on a strong life force increases the strength of her body. By now in her life, Asdis has the strength of five healthy men.

Asdis picks herself up off the ground, dusts herself off and heads back towards home. It is already nine pm. She must get home and call Sandy. The time is at hand. 'I could get home in a few minutes if I use my speed, but then I will have no energy left for Sandy. Better off to take a little longer and ride the bus.' On the bus ride home, Asdis decides that she will offer the Breath of Eternity to Sandy, however if she chooses to reject it, Asdis will give it to her anyway. Sandy will have forever to forgive her this transgression.

The bus drops Asdis off across the street from her home, as it pulls away she notices someone standing at her door. It's Sandy. Delighted, Asdis rushes to greet her. "Hello there. How are you? I was going to call you when I got in."

"Hi. Sorry for dropping by unannounced, I just couldn't wait for a call. I thought maybe you were still sleeping and figured it was time for you to wake up." Sandy chuckles as she grabs Asdis' hand, pumping it vigorously.

"Well, come on in; do not stand out here in the cold. Would you like a drink of something? I have lots more wine, or, if you have had enough of that, I have coffee and herbal tea too." Asdis gestures for Sandy to come in. Once inside the two women shed their coats and boots then retire to the living room.

"What kind of herbal tea do you have?" Sandy asks as she eases herself in the big chair.

"I have chamomile, blackberry..."

"Blackberry would be great. I need something warm inside me. I got a chill from this damp weather. I'm not complaining though. I love the fall. The whole cycle of life thing you know. Most people don't get it, especially here. The rain puts a damper on their spirits and they just can't seem to get past it." Sandy continues to talk as Asdis works in the kitchen, getting the tea ready.

Every word spoken only serves to strengthen Asdis' resolve. This is the one. Asdis tries to keep her enthusiasm under wraps. Take it slow; give her time she reminds herself, imagining what life will be like with a prodigy. The whistle of the kettle brings her back to the present. "One blackberry tea coming up."

"We have to let it steep for a few minutes." Asdis says, placing the tray on the table. "I brought some honey, sugar and cream. I did not know what you take."

"Herbal tea is best with honey. At least I think so." Sandy smiles and gets the cups ready.

As Asdis pours the tea, she asks Sandy, "What do you think of immortality? I mean, if it were possible, would you want it?"

Sandy scrunches up her nose in contemplation. "Well, I guess it would depend."

"On what?"

"If I just kept getting older but couldn't die, that would suck. On the other hand, if I could be beautiful, and rich and forever young, that might be OK. I'd have all the time in the world to do everything I ever wanted, and then some things I haven't thought of. What about you? Would you want it?"

"Oh yes, I, I…" Asdis stops. 'I need to enter this slowly.' "I have often thought about what being immortal would mean to me, daydreaming as it were. The changes in the world around me would be enough to keep me busy forever. Also antique collecting would be an easy thing to do. Just hang onto your possessions. I have to say I would jump at the chance."

Sitting down, drinking their tea, the two women further discuss the pros and cons of immortality. They speculate on all the different problems that could occur, how the immortal one could be dispatched, if necessary. Asdis supplied ideas that were, unbeknownst to Sandy, reality. Giving her details on what immortality is like without divulging her secret. Then comes the final question. "What if you had to suck the life out of a person to maintain yourself? What if you did not do this, you would wither and become nothing but a mummy-like creature, living in eternal pain, would you still want it?" Asdis anxiously awaits her answer.

"What kind of person? Can it be anyone? Could it be a bad guy, or maybe someone who is suffering?" Sandy asks.

"Yes, yes, anyone. The choice is up to you; the only rule is that they must be human. What would you do?" Her exuberance begins to shine through. Quietly she tries to regain her composure.

"In that case, I think I would say, Yes!" She begins to laugh raucously. "Just imagine, the two us traipsing through eternity together. We'd be the terror of the modern world." By this point Sandy is doubled over from laughing so hard. Asdis on the other hand, is shaking, tears well up in her eyes. She has found her child, her companion through eternity. Softly she says, "What if I can make it real?"

Sandy stops giggling and looks into Asdis' eyes. The seriousness of the moment surrounds her. "What do you mean, real? How could you do that? I think maybe you've had too much tea." She flashes a nervous smile.

"I have the power", Asdis continues, ignoring the joke, "to make this thing come true. I can make you an immortal."

An uneasy silence fills the room. Sandy sits back in her chair, her mind racing at the possibility, obviously wondering if her new friend is insane, or if what she says is true. Asdis watches intently, using all her inner strength to remain calm. The silence is killing her.

"So, what say you? Do you want to live forever? I have never offered this to anyone. I have never even considered giving it to another before. I need an answer. You would be my first born. I leave it up to you now." Asdis sits back, knowing that no matter what the answer, Sandy was to be hers.

"You're serious aren't you? How…?" Sandy's voice trails off.

"The how is not important. I am more serious about this than anything else I have ever said or done in my life. The details can be explained to you after you make your decision."

The stoic expression on Asdis' face is all Sandy needs to believe her. Asdis listens to Sandy's thoughts. 'This is like a dream. How can I choose? Everyone wants to live forever in theory. It is so much easier when it's all just hypothetical, but when it is real… Eternal life by taking another person's. The whole thing is unbelievable.'

Several minutes pass. Asdis waits patiently, realising the full measure of what she is asking. Finally, Sandy breaks the silence. "Would you be there to guide me, and to help me?"

"Yes, I would. I would protect you, help you and teach you. I will not leave you. I have waited far too long for you." Love fills Asdis as she speaks these words.

"Can I see this thing? Can I see how it works? Can I see others? Are there others or would we be the only ones?"

"No, we are not the only ones. There is a whole society of us. The number is not quite known, but it is in the thousands. My kind is all over the earth. We are, in essence, like the Scottish clans of way back. We get along with our own clans and avoid those from others should we start a war. I will introduce you to some others after you are turned. To do so before would be dangerous for you and me."

Sandy's face is pensive then quietly she says. "You understand me. I know we have only just met, but I feel as if I have known you all my life. There is a connection between us. I know that sounds corny, but its how I feel. I'm afraid though. This thing can't be undone. What if you change your mind? What's to stop you from killing me afterwards?"

Asdis takes her hand, "I feel it too. That is why I have chosen you. I would never harm you unless you gave me no other choice. Fear not. I am here to protect you. Come with me now. This process is not without discomfort so I want you to be in a soft, secure place." They stand and Asdis leads her to the bedroom. Gently she lifts Sandy and places her on the bed. "Just relax, try to let yourself go. This is going to be uncomfortable but it will get easier as it goes on."

Placing a hand under Sandy's head, Asdis pulls her closer. Softly she kisses her on the forehead and then she locks her mouth over Sandy's. Steadily she draws the breath from her. Instinct takes over as Sandy begins to struggle. Her limbs begin to collapse in on themselves. Without releasing her grip, Asdis beseeches Sandy with her silent voice to be calm. When all but the last drop of life is drained, Asdis reverses the flow. She can feel the life force draining from her, filling her child. Sandy's limbs begin to fill and become whole again. She starts to draw the breath from Asdis unaided. This transfer of breath goes on, back and forth between the women, for what seems like hours. The rhythm of life and death plays out over and over until Asdis finally pulls away.

Rolling over to look into the eyes of her new child, Asdis quietly asks "How do you feel?"

"I feel amazingly good. Tired, but good. How about you?" Sandy snuggles closer into Asdis.

"I am perfect, you are perfect, everything is perfect." Asdis puts her arm around Sandy, holding her tight. As she kisses her on the top of her head, she whispers, "Thank you for saying yes. You have made my world complete. Sleep well, my child."