Before I could catch my breath, something cold and sharp pressed against my neck. My vision blurred, and just like that, I was drifting off to sleep.
“What the fuck was that?” I ran my hands through my hair, pacing the hallway with the doctor.
Jesus. I’d never heard someone scream that way. It was as if wild animals were tearing her apart.
“It’s not uncommon for trauma victims,” the doctor replied. “When she came to, her mind was still trapped in the grave.”
“What will happen when she wakes up again?” I asked.
“Every patient reacts differently. Some may relive their trauma, while others might not. It’s unpredictable.”
Just then, the doctor’s beeper went off. She reached into her white coat pocket and pulled it out, glancing at the screen. “I have to go. Please let the nurse know if she reacts this way again. I’ll come back as soon as I can,” she added, offering me a reassuring smile and walked away.
I turned around and stepped back into Gigi’s room. As I settled into the chair by her bed, I released a deep breath, rested my head against the back of the chair, and closed my eyes.
When Gigi cried that she couldn’t breathe, I could taste her fear and pain like smoke was filling my lungs. Her cries were like scorching flames. I could feel every bruise, every shard of pain that my girl endured, slowly burning my flesh. I was fucking useless, trapped by the heavy chains of my guilt.
I didn’t know how long I sat there when a groan pierced the silence. My eyes flew open, and my gaze locked onto Gigi. Her eyes flashed with a rage that sent shivers down my spine. It was a look I’d never witnessed from her.
“Stay the hell away from me,” she rasped.
“I’m not leaving this room,” I replied. Searching for any hint of mercy in her steely gaze, I found nothing but an impenetrable wall.
She averted her eyes, her voice dripping with contempt. “Well, tough shit. I don’t want you here. Just leave.”
“No.”
She turned to me, her eyes blazing with disbelief. “You are unbelievable. Do you realize what you’ve put me through? You accusedmeof being a traitor.” The words lashed out like a sharp whip.
My heart sank as guilt consumed me. “I know. Fuck, I know.”
“You did it without a second thought,” she spat. “No matter how many times I told you it wasn’t me. That I wouldneverdo something like that to you.”
My hands were itching to hold her, but she recoiled when I reached for her. “Angel?—”
“Don’t call me that,” she cut me off, her voice rising.
“You will always be my angel.” I gave her a hard look. “I let you down, I know that. I’ll get on my fucking hands and knees and beg for your forgiveness if that’s what it takes.”
Her bitter laugh turned into a painful grimace, her hand pressing against her injured ribs.
“Baby, please be careful.” I stood up, my heart tightening as I noticed her flinch in pain once more.
“Would you fucking stop moving?” I snapped.
Her eyes narrowed into a fierce glare. “Fuck you,” she snarled.
My lips curled into a smirk. I leaned closer, placing my hand on the bed frame just inches from her face. “If you insist.”
She shook her head and scoffed. “You will never touch me again.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
Our eyes locked in an intense stare down.
“You’re delusional. I can’t forgive you,” she said, her voice devoid of emotion.
“Don’t say that.”
