Hours…no. Minutes go by.
Is it hours? I have no account of time.
Confused and scared in this dark, lonely abyss.
I hear voices. What do they say?
I cannot tell. They are distorted as they fade.
One remains constant. Comforting and gentle.
Her voice soothes my fears.
Somehow I know I am safe, as long as she is near.
I push and kick the thick, elastic walls entombing me.
I have to know who she is. I have to see her face.
I picture her soft eyes, her warm, kind smile.
I fight harder to escape.
Crying for help, hoping she’ll hear.
Twisting and turning to find an out, I’m screaming now.
It seems to be days and days.
Weaker and weaker I become.
Wondering why she won’t come to my aid.
Finally, I feel something.
Pressure. I’m sliding.
“Yes! Yes!” I cry. “That’s it.” I’m moving.
No walls in my way.
No. No. I’m stuck.
“Help me. Help me.” I hear voices once again.
“HELP!” I cry louder and louder.
They are closer, more distinct.
“I’m stuck. Help. I can’t get out.”
It’s bright. I’m cold. I’m wet.
Maybe I should’ve remained in my warm, dark, quiet space.
I’m moving again. Still scared and crying.
“No. I want to go back in. Leave me. Let me go.”
Suddenly I’m free.
Someone picks me up, as they talk.
It’s not her. Where is she? Where’s the voice I’ve come to love?
Something rubs against my body. I am still so cold.
“Oh yes. Yes.” I say. Warmth envelops me.           
Carried away again, I hear someone say, “Here he is.”
“Who?” I ask.
“Oh my baby.” That’s it. That’s her voice.
She holds me close to her chest, whispering “Hello, little one. It’s Mommy.”
I feel her gentle lips press against me.
“I love you, sweet, sweet baby boy.”
“I love you too, Mommy.” I whisper back.
Finally, no longer scared, in the arms of my protector, rescuer, and friend.
I drift away to a peaceful, restful sleep.