Page 4 of Aftershock
Shit. I said that last part out loud.
“You’re still talking.” His lips twitch, and it’s almost…kind.
I’m grateful for that too. For him being one of the first adults who—wait, how old is he anyway? Thirty? Younger?—hasn’t looked at me with either pity or detachment.
As we navigate through the hospital, my thoughts begin to fade. The darkness creeps in again, heavy, tempting.
Sleep would be the easiest thing in the world.
“Get an IV now. Draw blood and get a scan ready. She’s got abdominal pain.” His voice is louder, more urgent. “Lilith, stay with me.”
I’d give anything to do just that.
I want to live.
But—
But—
My eyes roll back in my head. My jaw goes slack.
“Move.” I hear him bark. “Faster. Go.”
I’m sorry, Dr. Lockwood.
As I slip backinto consciousness, one thing is clear. Nothing hurts anymore.
Dr. Simmons must have given me morphine while I was out. He only uses what he callsthe heavy gunswhenMom’s at her worst, which is usually around the anniversary of my dad’s death.
He’s been gone for twelve years, and she still resents him for leaving her alone with me.
Her only child.
The burden.
Except yesterday wasn’t about Dad. It was my grades.
But then the cops—it looked like they were going to take her away for good.
I thought they did. I was wrong.
Because if I’m at Dr. Simmons’s?—
Oh, no. Oh,no.
They didn’t end up locking her up after all, did they?
She reached their captain after all.
Meaning that, soon enough, she’ll waltz in here and drag me home.
Fuck. Fuck.
Fuck.
She’s going to finish the job and kill me, I’m sure of that.
My chin quivers as memories come rushing back.
