via

of machines. My left arm felt heavy, encased in layers of gauze. The pain

sed, feigning slee

ce cut through the haze. Frantic. "She's

a nurse said, her tone

d," Marcus hissed

child. *Hi

V, checking the drip rate. She looked at my ch

in close. "

feeling like it was filled w

ing in the hallway, his back turne

hispered. "We can't use strong anesthesia be

t," I

ted, her eyes darting toward the do

luttered against her skin, weak b

I whispered. "Please. L

ed. "Ma'am, I can't li

ng my eyes. "If he asks, just say there were com

idn't see just a burn victim; she saw the te

n the debridement-scrubbing

fire all over again. Agony

used on the pain. I let it burn away the last shreds of my love

drenched in sweat, shi

ed disheveled, his usua

n the edge of the bed an

led i

"I didn't know you were h

more important," I s

ed. "It was ins

hone

at the scr

it. He didn't sen

said, already standing up.

way. He didn't close th

en, ignoring the t

back to the hotel. Yes, she's fine. Just a b

of relief from him.

r the best. It compl

t's for

ing there. I felt a fierce, protective rage. He was relie

e looked composed, t

usiness," he lied smoothly. "

," I

oked at my bandaged arm with de

ine,"

ke one would a well-behaved dog. "We'll t

l

atched the clock on the wa

d the ca

rse ca

to leave

e said. "You ne

I stated, pushing myself upright despit

saw the desperation. S

good hand, my signatur

spital, every step a b

?" the dr

rport,"

memorial site, but that life was gone now. I couldn't go back ther

ticket to the first place

nt

I took out the SIM card

ces into a trash

us. Goodbye,

lifted off the tarmac, I didn't loo

I was pregnant

ime in three years,