Page 168 of Girl Between

She was reminded of the warmth she felt in the bookstore when she thought she’d glimpsed her mother.

Mom? Am I supposed to follow?

Dana’s mind churned with confusion and fear. This must be the end. But was this truly her time? Was she meant to let go and embrace the unknown? Regret surged through her. She’d been given the bones of a wonderful life. Had she wasted it? Allowed it to whither into dust?

There had to be more.

She wanted to resist, to push away from the light that felt so comforting yet so final. The voices around her grew distant as she hovered between two worlds, caught in a liminal space where time seemed to stretch and contract.

Dana could sense the urgency in muffled voices just out of reach.There was a desperation there that grounded her, pulling her back from the brink.

She was reminded that she had fought too hard to let go now, fought for every breath, for every heartbeat. But the light glowed stronger, beckoning, guiding her.

She reached toward it but something held her back.

Memories flashed through her mind—moments of laughter, love, and the faces of those she cherished. She thought of Jake, his unwavering presence, and the promise she had made to herself to never give up. The light seemed to pulse with a gentle rhythm, almost as if it were calling her name, but Dana’s heart fought against it, clinging to the threads of life that still remained.

A sudden clarity washed over her. This wasn't her time. She couldn't abandon Jake, couldn't leave him alone in a world that felt so fragile. The light, though inviting, had to wait.

“Not yet,”her mind whispered to the light. “I’m not ready.”

The light flickered, a sign of understanding, and began to fade, replaced by the distant sounds of voices and the touch of hands working to save her. Dana felt herself being pulled back, the light’s glow diminishing until it was no more than a memory.

Gradually, she felt the warmth of life return, the pain of her wounds a stark reminder of her reality. Dana's breaths stabilized, and her heart fought to keep rhythm. The gentle hum of medical machines and the murmur of voices became clearer, grounding her existence back in the world she knew.

Her eyes, heavy but determined, fluttered, and she slipped into unconsciousness, the world of the living clinging to her with a fragile grip. She was still here, still fighting.

152

George walkedinto Dana’s hospital room. The scene remained unchanged. The room was sterile and nearly silent, save for the soft beeping of machines and the murmur of the medical staff outside the door.

He’d been in countless hospitals, but this felt different. This was personal. Dana was too vibrant, too remarkable. Seeing her like this, fragile and still, it tore at something deep inside him.

George could only imagine how this was affecting Shepard.

A stoic statue standing guard, Shepard hadn't left Dana's side since they arrived. His eyes were red and bloodshot, dark circles underscored the toll of sleepless nights. George had seen the man withstand the harshest conditions without flinching, but this … this was breaking him.

George took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before he spoke. “Shep,” he said gently. “You need to get some rest. She’s in good hands here.”

He shook his head without looking away from Dana. “I can’t leave her, George. Not now.”

A lump formed in George’s throat. He wanted to argue, to force his friend to take care of himself, but he knew it would be futile.Instead, he pulled a chair close and sat down, joining his friend in the silent vigil.

Shepard didn’t object. He just sat there, staring at Dana, small and motionless, the steady beep of her heart monitor, her only sign of life.

The room was dark, lit solely by monitors and the faint glow of the city outside. George's mind drifted back to the events that had led them here. The chaos, the gunfire, the desperate race to get Dana to safety. It felt like a nightmare they couldn’t wake up from.

A nurse in bright blue scrubs came to check on Dana, breaking the silence. She moved efficiently, adjusting the IV and making notations on her chart. “She's stable,” she said softly, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “We just have to give her time.”

George nodded, appreciating the woman’s attempt at reassurance. He looked over at Shepard, who seemed lost in his own thoughts, his focus unwavering from Dana’s face.

“Hey,” George said, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s a fighter. She’s going to pull through.”

Shepard finally tore his gaze away, meeting George’s eyes. “She has to,” he echoed, his voice cracking. “She just has to.”

George reached out, placing a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “We’re all here for her. And for you. Don’t forget that.”

Shepard nodded, but his torment remained. George squeezed his friend’s shoulder. Maybe he couldn’t offer assurances where Dana was concerned, but he sure as hell could give Shepard peace of mind that the bastard who’d landed her here was going to pay.