Chapter 2: The Woman I Left
Her voice was barely more than a breath, but it hit me harder than any accusation could have.
I stepped closer, slowly, as if sudden movement might make her disappear.
“Emma,” I said, but her name came out ruined.
She tried to stand, then winced and lowered herself back against the wall.
Instinct pulled me forward before pride could stop me.
“Don’t,” I said gently. “Please. Stay seated.”
She gave me a faint smile that did not reach her eyes.
“You always hated hospitals.”
I almost laughed because it was true, and because she remembered, and because the world had become unbearable in the space of five seconds.
“What are you doing here?” I asked.
Even as I said it, I knew it was the wrong question.
Her wrist was bruised from needles.
Her skin was pale.
The answer was already sitting between us.
Emma looked down at her hands.
“I didn’t want you to find out this way.” Continue Reading ⬇️