"Get her out. My wedding is in a few days. I won't have some stranger ruining Vivienne's mood."
He turned to leave. Behind him, something hit the ground with a heavy thud, followed by a chorus of screams.
Jasper's pupils contracted. He whipped around.
He moved toward her on instinct, but Vivienne caught his arm.
"Careful, Jasper. What if she's faking it to shake us down for money?"
A few employees wandered over to check. Vivienne tugged at Jasper's sleeve, her voice a playful whine. "Come on, just let them call 911. That's enough."
"Unless you're really staying behind for Hilda's sake and leaving me here alone?"
Jasper shook his head immediately. "Of course not."
He took Vivienne's hand and smiled. "Let's go. It's the birthday girl's day. The sky could fall and I wouldn't leave your side."
That day, Hilda had been like a lost child. She didn't know where Grandma had gone or what had happened. She didn't understand how the old woman who was supposed to be discharged that morning was dead by afternoon.
All Hilda remembered was how bright the hospital lights were, so bright the hallway blurred. She ran after the stretcher, legs burning, the taste of blood rising in her throat.