Page 336 of Faking the Goal

For the briefest second, disappointment pinches at my chest before guilt immediately rushes in to scold me for it.

Harumi steps into the room with tears already shining in her eyes. "Taylor..."

"Harumi."

She closes the distance between us almost immediately, wrapping me in the gentlest hug she can manage without disturbing the wires attached to me.

"Oh, sweetheart..." she whispers, her voice trembling. "Ken-chan told me you woke up yesterday, and I wanted to come here as soon as I could because I needed to see you with my own eyes."

"I'm okay," I tell her softly, returning the hug as much as my battered body allows.

She pulls back just enough to cup my cheek.

"You gave us such a fright."

"I know."

"How are you feeling?"

I glance down at myself.

"I've definitely had better weeks."

A watery laugh escapes her.

"I imagine so."

Only then do I notice the young woman standing quietly behind her, balancing an enormous fruit basket against one hip.

She can't be much younger than Kentaro.

Long black hair.

The same gentle eyes as Harumi.

The resemblance is impossible to miss.

She flashes me a bright smile before stepping forward.

"Hi!" she chirps. "I'm Miho." She sets the fruit basket down beside my bed before giving me a small bow. "It's really nice to finally meet you."

"Nice to finally meet you too, Miho. I'd shake your hand..."

"...but I'm attached to approximately fourteen hospital machines?" I grin.

"Something like that."

Miho laughs, but before she can say anything else, my eyes drift toward the doorway almost on instinct. Some foolish part of me is still hoping Kentaro will walk through it.

Miho catches the direction of my gaze and smiles softly. "Oni-chan is just outside talking to a detective," she says. "They've been there for a little while now, but I think they'll be coming in once they're done."

Detective Matthews, I realize. Good. I've been wanting to speak with him ever since I woke up. I need to know if they've learned anything... if they're any closer to finding Charlie.

Harumi gently lowers herself into the chair beside my bed. The warmth in her expression slowly gives way to something much sadder as she reaches over and encloses my hand between both of hers.

"I'm sorry, Taylor."

I blink.