Benton’s voice had a strange, strangled sound to it. Neither Nanny Annie nor Aveline could quite figure out what he was saying.

Suddenly, the winds outside picked up in intensity. Nanny Annie seemed oblivious to it, still bent over the prone man. Aveline turned towards the window, something outside catching her attention. Laughter bubbled deep within her chest, frothy like whipped cream. She bit back a giggle and turned around to find Nanny Annie gently slapping her father’s face. He was still making those strange sounds but at a lower volume now, almost mumbling.

“What is he saying, Nanny Annie?” Aveline asked, a smile still tugging at the corner of her lips.

Nanny Annie turned to look at Aveline. “I haven’t the foggiest, dear, but at least his pulse has come back. I suspect he’ll be right as rain soon enough.”

Sure enough, Benton’s eyes fluttered open. The winds outside stopped with a shuddering sigh.

Benton’s eyes were green and fogged with confusion. “I just had the most marvelous dream,” he said.