No.
He’s limp. I listen for his heart—
“NO!”
With one hand over the other, I thread my fingers together and pump his heart.
30, 29, 28, 27, 26…
I give him thirty compressions, then pinch his nose and tiphis mouth open.
1, 2…
I listen.
“Wake up, Felix! PLEASE!”
30, 29, 28…
Felix
It’s so warm. My body’s never felt better. The breeze is heavenly, and the sky is the most brilliant shade of azure I’ve ever seen. Everything is…
Awesome.
“Felix.”
There she is. “Mother?”
“How are you, sweetie?”
She helps me up, and I feel her hand. “You’re so warm,” I tell her.
Mother smiles and hugs me. I hear a cry that startles me, and I turn to see Torren on top of someone.
I run to him, but then I see who’s with him.
“It’s me.”
Mother approaches, wrapping me in her arms. “Oh, I’ve wanted to do this for so long.”
I’m so confused. Did I? Am I?
“Yes,” Mother explains. “But not for long.”
Father.
“He’s gone, now.”
I look at Mother, and I can’t hold back the tears. “That bastard.”
Mother presses my head to her chest and holds me. “I’m not angry, my love. Don’t waste your life being mad at someonewho doesn’t deserve a morsel of your mental real estate. He’s getting his…” she waggles her brows. “You’ll be safe now.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
She motions to Torren. “My gift will protect you. I know how to pick ‘em, don’t I?” She giggles.
I release a surprised laugh. It’s her. Witty with a touch of mischief in her eyes.
