Her left eye turned inward. The excruciating pain welled up tears as her vision blurred. Stumbling, losing balance, she struggled to reach a safe place to fall.

Hand cupped over eye, all she desired was darkness and quiet. It struck swiftly this time, catching her unawares and piled deep in work. Timing is always a bitch.

At least the right eye was still clear. Maybe it would pass in a moment. The seconds and minutes ticked away.

Tik. Tok. Tik. Tok. Tik.

Not in time. Voices rang into her ear. Unable to escape to dark silence for now. Droning speaking sounded like the low roar of a tornado warning, echoing in her head.

The pain spread from her eye into her forehead and cheeks. She could hear her own heartbeat in her free ear.

Pound, pound…pound, pound.

Finally, the voices drifted away and she stumbled to her bed. Rest, please bring relief.