“Your partner and the other lady are following behind us.”
The other lady. Willow.
The air disappears from my lungs. “No.”
Leah leans closer. “What is it?”
“I don’t want them there. I don’t even want to see them.” My voice cracks. “I don’t want either of them near me.”
Leah and Tom exchange another glance, and this one lasts longer. I know exactly what they’re thinking: that I’m confused, that I’m ill, that people say strange things after fainting.
“I know what I’m saying,” I tell them. “And I mean every word.”
Leah’s expression doesn’t change. “I believe you.”
“Do you?”
“Yes.” She adjusts the blanket over me again. “If you don’t want visitors, we’ll tell the hospital staff.”
“He’ll try to come in.”
“Then they won’t let him.”
“He’ll say he has to stay.” My breathing won't slow
