Matteo and Lucia are by my side.
Monarch wings, raven feathers, and the word Nevermore haunt my mind.
A killer who thinks he's a poet has declared war on me.
And I’m losing everyone because of it.
The doors swing shut and I stare at the seam where they meet.
Mama is a wreck. I hear her crying.
“Cipi.” Lucia touches my arm.
I shrug her off. If anyone touches me right now, I might break.
“She’s alive, Cipi. That’s what matters,” Matteo appears at my side.
I nod.
Together they lead me to one of the couches in the waiting room. I sit down next to Mom. Bruno and Salvatore are seated in nearby chairs.
Placing my palms together, I bow my head, and pray.
Seconds morph into minutes as time ticks louder than it should.
All I do is pray.
After an hour and a half, the doors open.
Every muscle in my body snaps tight.
Dr. Reggiano appears.
“She’s stable,” he tells us.
The words hit like a breath of fresh air.
Mama lets out a sob and grabs my arm. Matteo exhales hard and Lucia cries, “Thank you Jesus.”
“Can we see her?” I ask.
Dr. Reggiano nods. “Only family for now.” He looks at Bruno and Salvatore.
“It’s fine.” Salvatore gets to his feet. “That’s all we needed to hear. I’m going to take Bruno to my mom’s house. I’ll text you later, Cipi.”
I nod and follow Dr. Reggiano through the doors.
“She’s still groggy and might not remember much.” Dr. Reggiano advises. “She was drugged. We’re waiting on toxicology, but her vitals are strong.” He stops by the door and opens it. “We’re going to keep her overnight to watch her closely.”
My breath catches in my throat when I step inside.
Gigi lies in a hospital bed with machines humming around her. An IV snakes into her hand. The hospital gown is too big on her. She looks pale, small, and frail.
“My baby,” Mama rushes over to her and kisses her on the cheek.
Gigi’s eyes flutter but she doesn’t speak.
I touch her hand and thank the Lord for answering my prayers.
