la Leo

ts were t

ng machines. The fain

side, especially

remember how I got here. Th

h

ng at the pull of pain. A

aked open. A nurse peeke

said, walking quickly to my side.

peak, but my

V in my arm. "Someone found you bleeding on the roadside and rushed you

furrowed.

ky. If it had been a few minute

uc

h, r

the pain dull but persistent. My gaze shifted to the empty c

so dehydrated..." I croaked,

ed gently. "I'l

. I could still hear the rain in my head, see the glint of the knife, fee

ter with shaky hands. Cold, blessed rel

ke a call. Please.

nodded and handed me

ng. I didn't have anyone. No friends. N

dia

ng once. Twic

inally,

is t

me... I

t of s

ing me for?" Her to

my phone, my money. I was stabbed. I'm in the hospital a

"And what exactly do you

. a little hel

en. Figure it out," she sna

wered slowly, the dial tone still

ice

ga

ice

ed, but this-this ache was worse. Abandonm

t. My voice came out in a whispe

to me like a fl

isto

inch of pride told me not to

ed his

e r

T

answ

it's I

len

u want?" Col

was robbed. Everything's gone-my phone, my bag, my cards. I was s

ence on the other end

lly-"Where

lking by. "Ma'am, what's

he replied, giving me a ki

ed it into

se. Then a s

omeone. Wait

ine we

t ask if

sk if I w

even say

n had hours ago. I hated this-needing him. Needing anyone. But when you'v

he hospital lot. A man in his late fifties ste

nod

verything's b

around me. The ride was quiet. Just the hum of the eng

the driveway of the mansion,

dropped at

't belo

any

night. The

doors opened-and a high-pit

add

eled into Christoph

ffortlessly, spi

ent, I forgot

e-the warmth, the ease-fel

expression of shock or pity. Just that unreadable lo

I said,

Hi

. "Maria, take her to the gue

s, s

ma'am," th

et, "Thank you..." that b

ittle girl asked, looking a

d simply. "My step-sister. She'

, but I forced a smile.

before my voice

ck one last time, I

e it was-

Like he still

elp me, ma