Abby sat in the chair beside Joe’s bed, her fingers curled tightly around the armrest as she watched his chest rise and fall. The steady rhythm was the only thing keeping her grounded. His body was a patchwork of bruises and bandages, skin yellowed and purple beneath the harsh hospital lights. Every shallow breath felt like a fragile promise that could snap at any second.
Her whole body ached with exhaustion she hadn’t earned, the kind that came from fear instead of effort. Her head throbbed dully, but she didn’t dare close her eyes. Not when looking away felt too much like tempting fate.
The door opened.
Her heart jumped painfully into her throat as she looked up, hope flaring for just a second before collapsing when she saw Evan instead of the doctor.
He gave her a tight, sympathetic
