Just like me.
I’m the happiest I’ve ever been until I look down and see my feet disappearing.
“Wait!” I grip her hand, but it’s already disappearing, too.
“You’re safe now, sweetheart. I don’t need to worry about you anymore.”
“No. No, please. Just a little longer.”
She leans in and kisses my cheek. “I’ll always be with you. I’m so proud of you, my love. Keep being you, because you’re wonderful. Never let anyone change you.”
A light envelops me, and I feel myself falling…
Torren
30, 29, 28, 27, 26…
I do it again. Thirty compressions and 2 breaths. I won’t stop. I’ll do it forever if I have to.
10, 9, 8, 7, 6…
I won’t stop. I won’t. I WO—
He gasps! Coughing and turning onto his side, hacking.
“Baby!” I rub his back, kissing his temple as he heaves.
Footsteps approach, and Tobias, along with the rest of the Hellcats, rush toward me. “Torren!”
Tobias kneels next to me, watching as I cradle a coughingFelix in my arms.
My brother jumps up. “Elias! We need medical.”
Felix continues coughing, then it finally settles. He looks up at me, but his eyes are scared.
“P-please don’t hurt me,” he begs.
His skin is red, tears fall, and he continues coughing. He sobs while coughing.
“Felix,” I whisper. “I’d never—”
“What are you?” he shouts.
Tobias leans in and whispers, “He’s on that shit Franklin gave him. He might not be seeing you.”
My heart breaks. Felix looks so scared. “I’m Torren,” I explain with a calm voice.
Felix gasps, and his eyes narrow. “Really?”
“Yes.”
Felix’s face shatters. “No, you’re not. Torren hates me.”
“What? No, I could never—“
I realize words won’t work. He’s not himself. He’s not even seeing me. I need something else.
I take his hand with care and bring it to my heart. “You feel that?” I ask.
