Who: Phil Coulson and Maria Hill When: Backdated, December 17th, 2013 Where:Teahupoo, Tahiti What: Recovery Rating: Highish
Phil's eyes slowly opened and he took in the sight of the beach. A perfect turquoise, the caps of the waves that gently lapped against the sandy shores a pure white. The sky was cloudless, and he felt the warm breeze pass over his back. And along with the breeze ... a pair of strong but gentle hands, that slowly worked the tension out of his lower back...
"Did I fall asleep?"
Behind him came a soft, feminine laugh. "Yes, but that's okay. That happens sometimes."
Phil smiled, eyes closing again, letting his head relax against the table. "I'm so comfortable."
"That's good! It means you're relaxed, and that I'm doing my job."
"Mmmhmm ...." his eyes opened again, taking in the view once more. "It's so beautiful here. Like something in a dream."
"Yes." The hands pressed and worked his back again with skill. "The most beautiful place on earth."
"........Funny. I don't ... I don't remember when I got here."
More soft laughter. "That happens sometimes too. People forget how long the've been here, time passes differently when you're so relaxed."
Phil's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "No ... I meant ..." he paused, starting to frown, "I don't have any memory of ... how I got here. On the island or ... even here with you..." He started to sit up, but was almost immediately pushed flat again.
"Shhhh. Look at the ocean again, enjoy the view."
He looked out over the beautiful ocean again. So blue. ......Too blue. The sky .... too perfect. The breeze ... too perfectly warm.
"Don't you understand?" Her voice was soft and in his ear this time. "Tahiti is a magical place."
-----
In a bed in a hospital in Teahupoo, the male patient started to mumble to himself, but remained asleep. "N-no... not ... not real. Not ... here ... where...?" He stirred and his legs thrashed, as if he was trying to wake himself, but remained in his sleep.