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The pain that flashed in his eyes made her knees buckle. She wanted more than anything to take some of it from him, even if it meant adding to her own.
He blinked. “I gotta . . . get out of here.” He slipped out of her grasp before disappearing down the corridor.
Emma buzzed the front desk to let her in. A nurse led her to a room in the farthest corner. The bitter scent of antiseptic burned her nose as she entered. The nurse said something, but it sounded like she was underwater. Emma’s eyes were glued to the dark brown complexion of her papa. She stepped closer, one shaky foot in front of the other. His eyes were closed, like he was merely sleeping and would wake up any minute to tell her this was all a morbid joke. She reached her trembling hand out to cover his. Bile rose in her throat at the coolness of his skin.
“Papa, why? Why did you leave me too?”
Empty silence was her only answer. Anger roiled in her gut. Had he been sick and not told them? Had the doctors missed something? Had he had symptoms when she talked to him two days ago? She inhaled the tiniest breath of cleaner-tainted air. Her chest was so tight. This was the last time she would ever lay eyes on him. How could she say goodbye?
“I love you, with all my heart . . . Thank you, for everything you’ve done for me. For saving me . . . I’ll never know why you chose me, but I’ll forever be grateful.” Emma leaned over him and kissed his cool cheek. She pulled back, slamming her eyes closed to imprison the tears, swallowing the onslaught of emotions as she always did. Numbness settled back into her bones.
Her nose stung. She had to get away before the tears erupted, before she broke apart. Emma ran out of the room in a haze. She needed to find Link. All they had was each other.
After searching the waiting room, she ended up in the cafeteria.
Where is he? Did he leave?
She sat in a chair, a wave of emotion crashing through her.
What if he leaves me now too?
It’s not like they were close—not since she was a teenager.
Or maybe this is the end.
She shook her head. No. Despite his apparent dislike for her, Emma loved Link—more than she should. That had always been the problem.
“Emma?”
She looked up. Charli’s concerned eyes studied her.
“Dad had a heart attack. And Link—I’ve never seen him this . . . distraught. I need to find him.” Emma stood. Why had she sat? She must find him right away. It was so important. She—Why can’t I seem to focus?
“Oh my God!” Charli wrapped her arms around her a moment before another set of arms pulled her close.
Remy. Her best friend was here.
“I’m here. Emma, sweetheart. I’m so sorry.” Remy’s voice cut through the fog.
What is she doing here?
Charli backed away.
“He’s gone.” Emma’s voice sounded so far away.
The timid woman who worked at the High Tide Diner, Brynn, walked over and handed Remy a tissue.
Charli’s phone rang loudly. She answered before darting out of the cafeteria. Emma hoped her friend was getting good news. The woman deserved some after the hell she’d been through this last year.
“I have to go.” Have to find Link.
“Let me give you a ride,” Remy offered.
Emma shook her head. “No, I had my bike in long-term parking at the airport. I’ll be fine.”
“It’s okay if you’re not.”
Remy’s words halted Emma’s steps. She drew in a deep breath and turned as the mask she wore around her friends slipped into place. “I’ll be okay. I just need some time.” She hoped her expression was convincing.
