I screamed for help. Shouted until my throat went raw, until the halls echoed with it.
Doors flew open. White coats rushed in. A crash cart followed. Hands pushed me back.
“She did something—she fucking did something to her!” I yelled, pointing at the nurse.
Security came. One of the guards grabbed her, yanking her away. She didn’t resist. Didn’t speak. Her face was soaked with tears, eyes hollow, as if her soul had already vacated the room.
“Step back,” one of the doctors ordered. “Let us work.”
I stumbled back, barely breathing, my whole body rigid with terror.
They tore the blanket away from her, cutting her hospital gown open to expose her chest. One nurse placed defibrillator pads on her skin, while another injected something into her IV line with shaking hands. Someone else began chest compressions—rhythmic, desperate. They counted aloud, their voices sharp and loud. Another doctor fixed an oxygen mask over her face, adjusting the flow, forcing air into her lungs with a hiss. Another nurse checked her pupils with a light, her jaw tight with panic.
Still nothing.
“Charging,” someone said.
The room filled with the high-pitched whine of the defibrillator.
“Clear!”
Her body jolted. Once. Then again.
No response.
They tried again.
More injections. Stronger compressions. Another shock. Another.
Every attempt was met with silence.
I stood frozen, helpless, as they fought to bring her back. Every second felt like an hour. Every beep a knife.
And then the monitor flatlined.
The doctor stared at the screen, then at the others.
“Time of death—”
“No,” I breathed.
I didn’t hear the rest. Didn’t care.
My legs moved on their own. I staggered to the bed and sat beside her. Lifted her into my arms.
She was limp. Her head fell against my shoulder like she was asleep.
I brushed her hair back. Touched her cheek. Her lips. Her pulse point.
Nothing.
“Come back,” I begged. “Please, Malaya. Come back. I’m just a monster without you.”
The room blurred.
“I don’t know how to breathe without you,” I choked, pulling her closer, memorizing every line of her face.
And then I broke.
