nna

x walked in, his expression tense as he looked around for me. He was my cousin

, stopping in front of

s still in the hospital, recovering from an accident that could have killed both of

"What happened? I heard there was

y stopped working. The driver tried to control the car, but it was

akes stopped working? Are you sayi

doctors are still treating him. That

asked, looking me over. "

fine,

entle squeeze. "You scared me, you know. When I hea

sor

a small smile before glancing toward Ted's room. "

Of course I'm worr

me, studying my face. "But I've known you for yea

slightly. "What are

er to ask the question on his mind. Then

e it's not what

skipped

ing?" I asked, tryi

You and Uncle Ted. I hope there's

came aware of how easily he could read me. Alex and I had always been close. He knew

me, and the thought of losing Alex too was unbearable. He wasn't just my cousin; he w

ere's nothing like that. Why would

"Because of how worr

forced a small smile. "After what happened, how do you expect me not

ed quiet, w

here for me. Of course I'm worried about hi

kept my expression steady. I didn't want him

leaning back in his chair

he continued looking at me. I knew him well

you the truth

nod. "Alright, Riha

expression told me he

matter. Instead, he reached for

okay? Uncle Ted is stro

he hadn't questioned m

rself too," he added. "Have you e

ok my

look. "You've been sitting here worrying about s

t hungr

e stood up. "I'll get you something. And

on my mind, I managed a smal

t, you

rtuna

He was still my Alex, the cousin who teased me, worried abou

want to l

me company. He didn't bring up his suspicions again, and

shifted toward Ted's room, or how he watched me

g. He wasn't going to abandon me o

o well to dismiss

e back of his mind,

a hadn't told