45
LIANA
Voices sound in my head like they’re far away yet still so close. I hear them clearly, but they’re like an echo in the deepest chambers of my mind.
“Is she going to be okay?”
“I think she’s in shock. Just keep driving. Drop us off at home, then ditch the car.”
Warm hands grasp the clammy skin on my face. “Liana.Mia moglie.Please wake up.”
It’s Massi.
His voice is full of concern, but he takes my hand in his, and I give it the lightest squeeze.
“Liana? Are you awake?”
I struggle to open my eyes, but when I do, Massi’s silhouette comes into view. There’s the smallest light illuminating part of his face, and I seem to be lying down with my head in his lap.
“Liana,” he sighs out in relief.
“W-what happened?” I croak out, my throat dry and hoarse.
He hands me some water, making sure to angle my head up slowly before letting me take a sip.
“W-what happened?” I attempt again after he lays my head back down in his lap, the hoarseness still prominent in my voice, but better this time.
“You passed out. I think it was …”
“Shock. I know. I heard you. But what …”
Suddenly, the dam holding my memories back breaks, and everything that happened comes flooding back to me.
“Is she okay?” Gui asks, concern lacing his voice.
“Liana,” Massi murmurs.
My eyes widen, and I can barely get the words out. “My … My …”
There’s a tightening in my chest and my breaths come out sporadic again. I can’t get control of my breathing.
“Mia moglie, you have to try and take deep breaths.”
Tears stream down my face.
“Massi, what’s going on back there?” Gui yells.
“Just get us home,” he snaps back, eyes still focused on me.
“Deep breaths, baby. I know this is fucking hard, butplease. You have to breathe.”
He puts my hand on his chest, right above his heart. I focus on his quickened pulse and when he takes a deep breath in, then lets it out, I do the same, eventually syncing our breaths.
I’m not sure how long it takes but the tightening in my chest seems to loosen with each breath until I’m finally able to speak again.
“S-she’s alive.”
It’s dark, but the light reflecting off Massi’s face gives me enough of a glimpse that I can see the consolation in his eyes when he nods.
