sa Hes

eting, a distant echo compared to the constant thrum of betrayal. My ghost, a silent o

blatant. But the cracks had shown, hadn'

ay, just the two of us, to celebrate our anniversary. We had boo

eacon canceled. He said he had to be there for her, that her phobias were cripplin

, distraught, claiming a "strange car" was parked outside her building. He left the dinner, abandoning his own celebration, to go "protect" her. He ret

y voice soft, "Kimberlee's phobias seem to flare up an awful lot

acts. Kimberlee is a victim of trauma. Her fears are real. You, a medical professional, should understand that." His hand had shot out, gripping my arm, a little too tight. "D

family, Clarissa, then maybe this isn't going to work. Maybe you're not the woman I thought you were

ways admired, planned a romantic dinner at his favorite restaurant to give it to him. I was on my way the

t Kimberlee ran m

he crushing weight of regret. How could I have been so blind

my unraveling memories. I was ripped away from the ambulance, pulled by an unseen f

mily owned. Kimberlee lay on a luxury bed, draped in a silk gown, a soft blanket pulle

orted, his voice hushed. "No physical injuries. We

was so awful. The storm... and Clarissa... she was so angry." She reached

rather, the space where I floated. He couldn't see me. The realization was bo

tal pager that still listed my contact. He looked d

r?" Her voice was a terrified whisp

is voice firm. He silenced the pa

"She said I was trying to steal you. That I was a bad person." Her eyes, w

he kindest, gentlest woman I know. She's jealous, Kimberlee. She's always bee

d? The bond forged in guilt and manipulation? My ange

whispered, her voice possessive

ter. "Yes, Kimbe

He was so lost in his own twisted sense of responsibility, so blind

spital room. He sat at his large mahogany desk, his face grim. My pager had been bu

l, then my work extension. No an

3. Critical head trauma from the bridge accident earlier. He's ask

ering over his phone. "What

ant. The storm passe

"Tell Dr. Lee I'm unavailable. He'll have to man

ent. That was me. He was refusing to operate on

ly requested you. He said the patient's prognosis is dire without

off, his voice flat. "Cancel all my appointment

cancelled the surgery that might have sa