Page 112 of The Rowdy Ones

Please, I don’t want to die.

I begged once before for my life, and I was spared.

Does a man get a second chance?

Everything turns completely dark, warm, and muffled. I’m able to relax and the pain subsides. This is okay. Much better. Maybe I should stay here awhile.

“We’re losing him!”

Who?

Who are they losing?

My very last thought isn’t Destiny or Dad or strawberry milkshakes.

It’s Spirit. The best wolf dog ever to be.

She’s back at the homestead, waiting for me to come back.

But I’ll never see her again.

The flatline beeping sound cuts through my warm cocoon and signals the end I knew was coming.

I didn’t want to die.

It was too soon.

Too fucking soon.

My hands are sticky with blood and I can’t stop shaking. I don’t know if it’s from being cold or pure overwhelm at the situation. If it weren’t for Wild by my side, I’d be so lost.

What’s taking so long?

They took Rowdy back what feels like hours ago and haven’t given us any updates. I’m going insane with worry.

“For heaven’s sakes,” a familiar female voice cries out. “You’re covered in blood, hon. Let’s get you cleaned up.”

At the sound of Gwen’s voice, I burst into tears. I’d texted her after they took Rowdy back, sobbing about him getting attacked. I’m shocked my phone managed to understand a word I was saying.

“You good?” Wild asks hoarsely.

I give him a nod and allow Gwen to help me to my feet. She’s gentle as she guides me down a corridor. Once inside the bathroom, she hugs me tight. I cling to this woman, wishing my mom were here instead.

“Come over here and let’s get you washed up,” she says in a soothing voice. “Here we go.”

The water is pretty hot, but I like how it feels on my numb hands. She uses a lot of soap and scrubs her hands all over mine to get them clean.

“Your chest is bloody too. Why don’t we take that shirt off so I can clean you there?”

I stand still, tears rolling down my cheeks, as Gwen undresses my top half and washes away the blood. My brother’s blood. Bile creeps up my throat. If I had anything in my stomach, I would no doubt puke it all up. Once clean, Gwen puts my T-shirt back on and then helps me into my coat that isn’t doing much to keep me warm.

“Let’s get some coffee in you, Destiny. Maybe a little something to eat, too. Then you can tell me all about it.”

She puts her arm around my shoulders and guides me out of the bathroom. Since Wild doesn’t run over to me with any news about Rowdy, I assume there isn’t any. I’m not keen on leaving the waiting area, but I can’t run on fumes. I need a distraction and something hot in my belly.

We walk down another long hallway until the scent of coffee hits my nostrils.

“There’s a Starbucks here,” she explains as we enter what sounds like a bustling place. “Not the good stuff we love, but it’ll do in a pinch. I’ll get you something. Can you have a seat here and wait?”