Page 125 of Consumed By You

“Darcy?”

“Kev. Hey, sorry I haven’t called.”

“Where are you?”he asks, and something in his voice makes me sit upright on the couch and mute the TV.

“A bed and breakfast upstate with Ben. Why? Is everything okay?”

Benjamin glances up from his work on the computer curiously.

“No. I’ve been trying to call you all fucking day!”

It’s not like Kevin to be actually angry at something. It must be really bad. “Kevin, I’m sorry. Just tell me what happened.”

“Arthur had a seizure last night. He’s in the hospital…it’s bad. He’s in a coma.”

A gust of wind leaves my chest in a rush. My throat is already constricting violently as I relay the news to Benjamin. He’s on his feet within seconds, grabbing his cell from the nightstand.

“When did it happen, Kevin?”

“Last night. We’ve been at the hospital all day.”

“Oh my god. How is he?”

“He’s…it’s not good. Darcy, he’s lost almost all brain activity. You need to get over here.”

CHAPTER

TWENTY-THREE

Doris gets up from her seat when she spots Benjamin and I approaching. The waiting room is packed, no other available seats to be found. A cold shiver goes through me when I remember the last time I was in a waiting room and the events that happened that night.

All my worries fall away as I embrace my friend. “I’m so sorry, Doris. I’m so sorry. I should have picked up the phone.”

She looks tired and disheveled, a look I’ve never seen on her. “No, sweetheart. Don’t beat yourself up about it. It’s fine.” Benjamin takes her hand silently. She looks down, obviously surprised, and smiles tiredly.

“How is he?” Benjamin asks.

“He’s-He’s—” she stutters, swallowing, obviously about to break down.

My heart is breaking for her.

I lay my hand on her shoulder. “Can I get you something? A coffee? Anything?”

“No, no.” She raises a tissue to wipe under her eyes. “I’m fine. I’ve been preparing myself for this. Would you like to see him?”

“Yes.”

Kevin comes walking up with coffee.

“Hey guys,” he murmurs, setting the bag down on a chair. “Doris, I ran into the doctor on the way over. He wants to speak with you when you have a chance.”

“Oh. Excuse me.” She heads toward the patient rooms.

“Kev, how bad is it? Is there any way they can do anything to get him back?” I whisper.

“No. His brain activity is practically gone. It’s only really a matter of time now.”

Benjamin shakes his head sadly, laying his hand on my back. Tears are brimming on my eyelids, but I fight to keep them in.