both of us. You've had a comfortable

married me. You knew I needed a kidney, and

are you

ur hands

d Camila's eyes fluttered open, but they were met wit

ness she felt, as if it were wrapped in a thick layer of cotton. As sh

ed for her face. Yet the feeling she expected didn't come. Instead, her fing

y couldn't she

nd what was happening. She tried to remember how sh

rything after that was a blur. She attempted to sit up, but a wav

e in short gasps. She tentatively reached

ad happened to her? The questions swir

roaching, and a faint voice call

.. It sound

ut couldn't hear the s

ed to clear the fog. She tried to speak again, but her voice was barely a whis

oothing, but Camila's anxiety spiked. This was all starting to

barely audible. "What... what happe

ent, Camila wondered if she'd imagined the whole thi

in the hospital. You've been hu

as she tried to process Cole'

there bandages over my face?" Her voice t

ueezed them gently. "Don't worry,

ing was wrong; this was how her brother spoke

a compliment; just a

ueezing Camila'

injuries, but the doctors are taking good care

ol

off, his voice soft and reassuring. "W

ll her hand away, but Cole's grip held firm. "Cole, tell me what's going

mi, you... you were in an accident. There was an explosion, an

ish. "I know that; I'm asking

efore speaking. "Your fac

prehend the extent of her injuries. S

urns and fractures to your face. The doctors will have to perform

r spine as she realized that her face,

earlier?" Camila's voice

o hurt you, Cami. I wanted to protect you from t

. Would I even recognize myself? Would Lawson...? She paused on that thought, memories of Lawson's words

st of all, she couldn't feel the tears tracing her cheek as they

ispered, her voice trembling

rrowed. "I've been trying

ightmare, and Lawson was the monster who had put her there. Who had made her feel so heartbrok

ering just below the surface. But deep down, she knew anger and resentment wouldn'