Page 82 of Jase

“Shh.”

I wanted to tell him to stop. I wanted to say so much, I just didn’t have the strength.

“We’re going to be more careful from here on out. I should have done this before. Pride is a bitch. I almost lost you because of it. I thought I could take care of you myself. From this. Them. Never again.” He pulled back, cupping my face only inches from his. “Do you forgive me?”

“Jase.”

“I was supposed to protect you. I didn’t.”

My head tried to shake, but he held his hands steady, refusing to let me.

“I failed you. I failed. You died on the way to the hospital, Kody. Twice. You are alive by pure miracle. I almost lost you. I did lose you.”

“I’m right here.”

The last was more mouthed than spoken, but he heard just fine. His lips pressed against mine, brushing the surface as if any more strength would break me. I hated it. I hated that we were right back here with me as the victim. With me as fragile. But I couldn’t change it. Death still had its claws in me, and the essence lingered down into my very bones.

“I need to call the nurse and let her know you’re awake.”

“Tiff, first.”

Jase’s eyes flickered but he didn’t argue as he positioned himself on the bed next to me, holding me close. He brought up the phone, putting it on video call. I cringed at my reflection, too tired to even comment on how horrible I looked.

“Well look who it is.” Rian’s face lit up and he smiled as he stared back at us. “How are you feeling, Kody?”

“Tired.”

“Kody? Kody!”

Tiffany’s voice grew louder as footsteps pounded towards us. Within seconds she was in front of the screen. Tears were streaming down her face, and she sobbed as she covered her mouth.

“Hey Tiff.”

“I’m sorry. Girl, I’m so s-sorry.”

My head went back and forth as I shut my eyes. It was so hard to reopen them.

“Don’t.”

“I was horrible to you. I was such a bitch. You tried to tell me. I didn’t listen. I didn’t think. I’m so stupid.”

“We all were.” Jase kissed my forehead, holding me tighter. “This was a wakeup call. The worst kind, but we won’t make that mistake again.”

“You’re okay?”

At my question, Tiff sobbed again, nodding. “I’m good. More than good. Fucking pampered, but don’t tell them that because I’m trying to play this for all it’s worth. I don’t get this sort of treatment often. I’m trying to figure out how I can fit the Maldives into this nightmare, but I don’t think they’re buying into it yet.”

I laughed, once again closing my eyes longer than it took to blink.

“I’m so happy you’re awake. I’ve missed you. You get rest, honey. You look exhausted. We’ll be here. Call me when you’re feeling better. I love you.”

Tiffany came into view again as I forced my lids up. “I love you too.”

Rian’s voice returned, but I was already drifting off. Seconds only seemed to pass before I felt hands on me. A woman spoke, a nurse, but I was too tired to do more than give one-worded answers to questions I couldn’t even quite comprehend. It didn’t matter. She didn’t stay long, and before I knew it, dreams took over. But not good dreams. Not even scary ones. I was back in the orchard. Back to reading. I’d read this story before. Multiple times during my teens. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember the title, but I had the book. It was right there in my hands. I could see the words.

Run.

Run.