The sound of waves crashing against rocks drifts through the air. On the shore, sand is being lifted and whisked through the breeze and set down in another place. The sky is a shade of pink slowly fading into blue as seagulls screech their last goodbyes and fly off to their homes.

A girl, not far from being a woman, stands on a cliff overlooking all this. With her back to her blue mini, she takes a deep breath and savours the view of the beach below.

The low rumble of an old engine brings her out of her thoughts, and she turns to spy the post bike roaring down the road towards her.

Her heart leaps into her throat as she wonders if he brings any mail today from her beloved. Her pale pink sun dress swishes at her knees and billows in the breeze as she stands patiently while the bike slowly makes his way towards her.

The vehicle stops across the road from her, and the rider kills the engine. Bouncing on her toes, she waits, watching as he sifts through his box of deliveries before waving her over.

Giggling, she hurries over and accepts the extended postcard. Looking at the front, she smiles broadly before reaching over pulling the man into a hug.

"Thank you, Mr. Mathews," she murmurs in his ear. The old man chuckles and she pulls back, looking him in the eye. "For coming all the way out here to deliver a postcard."

"You're welcome, my dear," Mr. Matthews smiles. "I'd best get back to the office. You have a lovely day now, Sara."

"You too, Mr. Mathews," Sara smiles softly, brushing a black bang behind her ear. Nodding, Mr. Mathews pulls the helmet visor down and twists the key in the engine. His trusty bike roars to life again, and he takes off back the way he came.

Sara gives him a little wave again before looking back down at the postcard. The wind picks up again and tugs at the card in her hand, but her fingers grip the edges. Hurrying back to her car, she climbs in carefully and shuts the door, keeping the wind out.

She studies the front of the postcard carefully before turning it over. She bites her lip in anticipation of what it might say, before taking in a shaky breath and reading what is written.

To My Dear Princess,

The carnival just isn't the same without your laughter and smile. It seems so dull without you being here to cheer me up. Setting up and running my parents' ride has been fun, but it's not as fun as last year. Which is why I have some exciting news.

I told you I couldn't go with you and your family to the beach because I have to help my parents....help my parents with their ride at the Annual Carnival near where you're staying! I am looking forward to seeing you and being near internet again. When you receive a text from me, you'll know I'm in town.

All my love,

Samuel X O X O

Giggling in delight, Sara pokes her card into the passenger side glove box and nestles herself back into her seat. She grins broadly while having a party in her head.

Turning the key, Sara slides her car out of the parking lot and begins her stretch back to her parents' beach house. She passes familiar landmarks while deep in thought.

I wonder what we'll do together? We can go the the carnival together! His parents have the best ride ever. And we can buy popcorn or fairy floss. What will I wear? Maybe --

BEEEEP! SCREECH!

Sara's head snaps to the right as she slams on the brakes. A gasp escapes her lips just as excruciating pain explodes up her left side and the world begins to spin.

The sound of screams and glass and metal breaking fills her ears, before silence and blackness threaten consume her. She feels herself panting as the metallic taste of blood fills her mouth and a searing pain continues to dig into her right side now as well. The world goes foggy, and with one last panicked cry, she passes out.

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A cool draft whistles through the sterilised white walls of the hospital. Occasional radio calls and beeps cause hope to spur in the hearts of those waiting, only to feel deflated when another person is called for by the nurses.

A young man paces the halls anxiously awaiting news. After arriving in town earlier this morning and finally receiving internet again, he was informed his girlfriend had been severely injured and was in hospital.

His young face looks older with worry and a light stubble covers his chin. His messy blonde hair looks like it hasn't been brushed for days instead of hours, and his eyes are filled with worry.

Another sigh escapes his lips as he checks his watch once again and runs a hand over his face.

"Maybe you should sit down," his mother suggests with a tired smile.

"No," he shakes his head. "I have to stand....it gives me something to do while I wait."

"Wearing yourself out won't do any good. Come, sit yourself down," his father sighs patting the well worn seat beside him.

The young man sighs before giving in and sitting down beside his father. He crosses his legs and begins tapping his foot nervously. He checks his watch again before scowling and leaping up.

"I can't do this! We've been waiting for hours now!" he shouts exasperated, and making the other people waiting look up in fright.

"And we will wait however longer we need to, Samuel! Have patience and faith. There is always a reason as to why anything happens; everything happens according to His plans," his father wisely states leaning back in his seat.

Samuel sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose and squeezing his eyes shut. Tears come to his eyes as he prays his beloved girlfriend is safe and being watched over.

"Samuel!"

Samuel's eyes snap open and he blinks away the tears to see Sara's mother hurrying towards him and his parents.

"Thank goodness you're here! They were just about to prep her for surgery, but I begged them to let you see her first...." She tugs on his sleeve and urges him to follow her.

"Surgery?" Samuel murmurs, following her in a weary state.

"Yes. Apparently she wasn't wearing her seatbelt, and it appears she has a broken rib and her left leg and arm are both broken as well," Sara's mother explains on the verge of tears. "I just knew that you'd want to see her before she goes under," she blubbers covering her mouth with her hand as tears now stream down her cheeks.

They reach a room with a doctor standing outside. He sends them an apologetic smile before walking into the room before them. Samuel turns to Sara's mother and gives her a squeeze.

"Thank you for getting me," he whispers. She nods in response before ushering him into the room.

Samuel steps through the doors and blinks as his eyes adjust to the slightly darker lighting. He swallows thickly when he spies Sara's already lean form looking especially frail under the thin blue sheet. Her eyes are closed and a monitor keeps watch on her steady breathing.

He steps closer to the bed and carefully takes her soft hand in his.

"Oh, Sara," he whispers as tears blur his vision. "How could you be so clever but forgetful at the same time," he cries softly, letting the tears fall. He breathes out shakily before continuing. "I'll be back at college by the time you'll be ready for visitors again."

He watches her pink lips for any sign of movement, for any signal she's going to reply to his heartbroken words. Slowly he leans down and presses a soft kiss to her lips.

Her soft and steady breath tickles his nose and cheek before he reluctantly pulls back. His fingers graze her cheek and he steps back.

"I don't want to hurt you anymore than you already are. I should go."

"She is in a stable condition and is unconscious, almost in a coma. I don't believe you could hurt her much more with a kiss," another voice whispers from behind him. Samuel turns and sees the doctor from before watching his interaction with Sara. "Forgive me for intruding, however I have to watch over the patient at all times."

"It's fine," Samuel whispers. He looks back at Sara longingly before asking, "Is there any way I could leave a note for her? Something so she knows I was here for her?"

"If you wish, you could leave her a note. I could leave it with her records and medication list. What would you like to write?"

Samuel glances back at Sara before smiling softly. "X O X O, please. She'll know it's from me."

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