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“Winter saved your life. It’s all on tape. What happened, how it happened. If she hadn’t been there, you would have bled out in a matter of minutes. The ambulance wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for her quick thinking.”
“Bled out?” I echo. The words feel like a punch to the chest.
His expression is somber. “Adele’s blade sliced your leg and nicked your femoral artery when you tried to save her from falling.”
“Jesus.”
“—was absolutely present and watching over you.”
“I think it was Great-Grandpa Balls, actually,” I mutter.
“What?”
“Nothing.” I was probably tripping balls, literally and figuratively. “This is a lot to process.”
“Winter used her belt as a tourniquet. If she hadn’t—” He chokes up, then clears his throat. “But you’re here, and you’re going to be okay, and that’s what’s important.”
The statement feels unfinished, like it’s weighted down with more, but I’m too foggy to ask questions. And tired.
Mom and Winter return with fresh water, and my mom fusses over me, running her fingers through my hair, unable to stop her tears of relief as she tells me she’s glad I’m here with them. That it’s going to be okay.
I wonder how true that is.
Because it sounds a lot like they’re reassuring themselves, not me.
31 CURVEBALL
BJ
Staying awake proves to be a challenge, and the bliss of unconsciousness, where I’m free from pain and fear of the unknown, claims me again. The next few times I wake up, either Mom, Dad, or Winter is holding my hand. I’m not alert for long, though.
When I finally wake feeling clear, Lovey is at my bedside.
“Hey, bestie,” I croak.
She startles, and her phone clatters to the floor.
“Hey. Hi.” Her eyes well with tears, but she blinks them back. She takes my hand. “Fuck you for almost dying.”
I laugh and then cringe, because everything hurts. “Sorry ’bout that.”
Lovey’s chin wobbles, and her shoulders shake.
“Hey, hey. It’s okay. I’m okay.” I squeeze her hand.
She fights to stay in control, but tears run down her cheeks and drop to her lap. “I promised I was going to keep it together, but you know how shitty I am about keeping my feelings from leaking out of my eyes.”
I smile. “You cry every time we watch Vet Rescue.”
“It’s true. I’m so sappy.”
“Don’t ever change.”
“I won’t.” She plucks a tissue from the box beside her and blows her nose. “We thought we were going to lose you. If it hadn’t been for Winter—” Her voice cracks. “I thought I wasn’t going to get to be the best woman at your wedding, and you weren’t going to be co-maid of honor with Lacey for mine.” More tears fall.
“Pfft. Like I was going to die and miss out on wearing a suit the same color as the bridesmaid dresses.”
“Hey, look who’s awake.” Quinn appears in the doorway holding takeout coffees. “How you doing?”
