The doctor frowned at my wound as he stitched me. “Why didn’t anyone bring you here? You lost too much blood. This is serious.”
I bit my lip as the needle went in. “I didn’t have anyone.”
He hesitated. “Weird… a young woman came in earlier with a tiny graze. Her boyfriend was terrified. He demanded extra checks.”
A bitter laugh escaped me. “That was my boyfriend too.”
He froze, didn’t ask more. Just finished the stitches in silence.
Late that night I was in my room changing my bandage when Fredrinn finally came back. He froze at the door when he saw me struggling.
His eyes went wide at the wound. “Lesley, how did this happen?” His voice cracked as he rushed over.
I didn’t even look up. “The shelf hit me.”
His hand hovered over mine, shaking. “It… it was chaos. Miya was crying. I thought she got hurt bad. I didn’t mean to leave you.”
I forced a tiny smile. “You did the right thing. She needed you.”
“No, Lesley.” He grabbed my hand tight. His grip was warm, desperate. “You don’t get it. I only treat her well because of her bone marrow. You’re the one I love. Always you. Don’t push me away.”
My eyes burned. “I know. That’s why I didn’t blame you.”