“What injuries do I have?”I inquired, my mind racing with concerns about my own condition.
“You have multiple fractured ribs on your right side, a sternal fracture due to the seatbelt—common, really.You have a mild concussion, but no organ damage.Your left shoulder was dislocated, but that's resolved now, and you have a fracture in your right ankle.You'll need a boot for a few weeks.Other than that, you'll be fine,” he explained, offering a reassuring smile.
“And the baby?”I asked, my heart pounding with anxiety.The doctor exchanged glances with my parents before addressing me.
“Everything is okay; it's still early in the pregnancy, and the risk of miscarriage is low.We've checked everything, so there's no need to worry.”Was I an awful person for wishing to hear a different response?
“And Zane?What are his injuries?”I pressed eagerly.
“I'm sorry, but I can only discuss that with family,” the doctor replied.
“I am family!”I exclaimed; my parents froze in shock.
“Please, I need to know,” I pleaded, desperation flooding my voice.The doctor sighed heavily before responding.
“His injuries are more severe.He has multiple fractures in his bones and skull, some organ damage, and aortic dissection.”
“What does that mean?”I asked urgently.
“It means he will need further surgery, but he is stable, so we are optimistic about his recovery.Get some rest; we'll have you up and moving tomorrow,” he said before leaving the room.
I needed to see Zane; I had to know he was alright.
“Can someone find Valentina?She's his sister,” I requested, desperation creeping into my voice.
“Sweetheart, please listen to the doctor; you need to rest,” my mom said softly.
“Please, I can't rest until I know he's okay,” I begged, tears wetting my face.
“Tomorrow, I promise,” my dad added.
“No,” I shouted, anger bubbling beneath the surface, causing pain to ripple through my body.My father didn't argue; he left to find her.My mother regarded me in silence.
“Don't look at me like that.I love him, and nothing will keep me from being with him,” I declared firmly.My father returned after some time.
“I'm sorry; I couldn't find anyone.It might be too late now, but they'll likely come by tomorrow,” he said, and I believed him.I was exhausted, longing for the dawn to arrive.Only one visitor was allowed, so my father left with the promise of returning in the morning.
I found myself running as fast as I could, as if the very essence of darkness had taken on a chilling form, relentlessly pursuing me.My legs felt like lead, and I could no longer push myself forward.I gave in to the shadows, and then… I awoke.
The sun poured into the room, forcing me to squint against its brightness.Alone, I could feel the pain intensifying, even worse than the day before.Frantically, I scanned the room for a call button, but found nothing.Just then, my parents entered, their faces a mix of concern and relief.
“Good morning!How are you feeling today?”my mother asked, rushing to grasp my hand.Behind her, my father stood, trying to conceal his tears.
“I want to see Zane!”I blurted out, noticing the shift in my mother's expression.
“The nurse will be in soon.They'll remove the catheter and help you get up,” my father replied.An awkward silence settled between us, and then, a nurse walked in.She was an older woman, her chocolate hair cut short, and she greeted me with a simple “good morning” before warning me of potential discomfort.It felt more like agony than mere discomfort.
“My body hurts more today.Can I please have some painkillers?”I asked as she began to assist me to stand up.
“I'm sorry, but we can't give you any more medication due to your pregnancy.You'll have to bear the pain, honey,” she replied, gently maneuvering my legs to the side.
“I'll put a boot on your ankle for support, but try not to put too much weight on it.I can get you a cane if you need extra help,” she said, pulling my right arm to help me sit up while my other arm remained tied to my chest.My head felt heavy, and my skin was clammy and unpleasant.I longed for a shower.
The worst pain radiated from my chest.Every inch of me ached, but I had to stand; I had to walk to see Zane.I struggled to maintain my balance, feeling nauseous, likely from morning sickness.Tears threatened to spill, but I fought to hold them back.
My father took hold of my right arm, guiding me down the corridor, my mother staying close by my side.I scanned the faces around me, searching for someone familiar.
“I need to find Valentina!”I insisted.I also wondered where Marco was—he must have witnessed everything.I needed answers.All I could recall were Zane’s final words:“Because I love you, dummy.I love you more than my own life.”Tears streamed down my cheeks, and my parents exchanged worried glances.I couldn't comprehend how we survived; a head-on collision at that speed should have meant certain death.It didn't add up, and I needed to know why.
