spital bed. A nurse wa

he nurse said gently. "Severe bruising and

ha

chair by the window,

re you okay?" he asked. His tone

han?" Olivia said, her voice weak.

as upset. You shouldn

n the nurse brought it. He helped the nurse change the dressing on a particularly nas

id. "You need

foolish hope. Maybe

d there, a fruit basket in her hands. Her eyes widened

ed to the floor,

to her mouth. "Ethan! How could you? With

fled, sobbing

ivia' s hand as

oe!

ving Olivia alone in

ammed shut

h bandage on her arm began to seep red

er eyes. Aba

her body still aching. Her phone ra

birthday celebration next Friday. The plans are proc

meticulously. Caterers, guest lists, decorations. He u

of care. A farewell gift he wouldn

y a few final instruc

to exactly forty-five degrees, a detai

once mentioned