I came back, though. I came back for her.
When they shocked me with the paddles, I saw her tear-stained face staring down at me in horror from above, and I knew I had to get back to her.
The news has broken about my brother, and with the camera now acquired as evidence, my father has been arrested as well for tampering with an active investigation. Sarah’s family can now rest knowing the true culprit was brought to justice. The sheriff has been fired, and all is right in the world.
“You’re awake.” Hazel says, looking away from the window and coming over to my side.
“We have to stop meeting like this.” I joke, though the small laugh costs me a twinge in my abdomen, it’s worth seeing her smile at me.
“Scootch over. I need to be next to you.” She demands. It takes a minute for me to be able to move so there’s enoughroom, but I manage, tucking her against my side right where she belongs.
We sit together like that in silence. Holding on to each other afraid to let go. Both of us came so close to losing our lives, and the fact that I can still hold her like this has me wanting to make every second count. Every heartbeat and breath she takes, is one that I’m grateful for.
“I want to show you something.” She says, breaking our reverie.
“What’s that.” I ask, looking down to her outstretched phone.
A video starts playing and I recognize Hazel immediately.
“And how do you feel having your name cleared after all this time, Hazel.” She looks radiant. The sun frames her auburn hair and brings out the light freckles that dot her nose and cheeks.
“It feels… relieving.”
“And what about the death of Mayor Dansbury? Any remorse for killing the beloved mayor?”
Hazel turns and stares directly at the camera. “None whatsoever. He was a murderer, and had I not taken the shot, he would have killed me too.”
It’s clear the reporter is ruffled by her answer, but Hazel stops the video and turns to look at me.
“I’m so proud of you.” I say, kissing the top of her head. Knowing just how difficult going out in public is for her, being interviewed like that is a huge accomplishment.
“Also… that video we made?”
“Yeah?”
“It grossed the most amount I’ve ever made. I paid off all my hospital debts from the last stay and this one.”
“So, you’re saying I’m a star.”
She laughs, and the happy, carefree cadence is a melody that soothes my soul.
“No. You’re mine.”
“I can live with that.”
“As long as you keep living.” She says, pointing her finger at me.
“Deal.”
HAZEL
28 YEARS OLD
One year later
The riseand fall of Ace’s chest calms me. I’ve been up for hours, playing back the last few days in my mind. He stirs, pulling me closer against his body, and I let him. Taking comfort in the one person who sees and accepts me as I am. Broken bits and all.
I might never get back to the girl I once was. There’s a real possibility the anxiety I live with daily will follow me for all my days, but knowing that Ace loves me just as I am hits deep inside of me. Healing a portion of my soul that I didn’t know could be fixed.
