Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 85616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85616 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
“The damage is extensive and silver poisoning can spread over time. We think we can at least contain it, but we still need to figure out a way to cleanse it. There are a lot of steps. I’m sorry, I don’t have a better answer for you.”
Raquel nodded, understanding. The weight felt like an anchor falling on my chest.
With that, the doctor turned and went back to the operating room. Raquel wordlessly walked over to a chair and slumped into it.
Chris came over to Miles and me, placing a hand on both of our shoulders. “You two have had a long day. Go home. Rest. Keep your phones on and I’ll call you if there are any updates.”
I mustered up a smile for my best friend. He was always an “alpha” type of guy, someone I tended to lean on and go to for advice, but the gravity of tonight seemed to have unlocked something else in him.
“Are you sure?” I asked. I wanted to stay for as long as it took to see Emmy, to know he was alive. But I also trusted that the druids were doing everything in their power to heal him and that me sitting in the waiting room wasn’t going to help with that. I wasn’t even sure if I could go to sleep, but I did know that I was dying to just lie down in a dark room with Miles next to me, both of us quiet and safe and comfortable and together.
“Yes. You need to rest.” Chris nodded and stared me dead in the eyes. I could tell he’d argue the point if I decided to stay. I must have looked more tired than I felt.
I turned to Miles. He had washed his hands of the blood but some of it had gotten onto the side of his face, speckling his cheek and ear. His dark hair was a mess of sweat and crusted blood that he must have spread through when he ran a hand through it.
He needed a shower and a rest as badly as I did.
“Let’s go,” I said. Miles didn’t argue. He was oddly silent as we left the hospital. I didn’t want to poke and prod at him. I didn’t think we needed to talk. Enough was said. We could just chill together in silence, taking it all in, and speaking when we felt ready. That was the comforting part of being with someone you so deeply connected with. You didn’t need to fill in silence or empty space with words. Just being together was enough.
As we got into the car, my phone buzzed with a notification. I needed a distraction. Maybe it was someone sending me a silly meme, something to make me laugh.
I unlocked my phone and read the notification. Then I had to read it again. Then one more time.
“Holy shit,” I said out loud, breaking the silence as I was shocked for the thousandth time tonight.
“What? What is it?”
“It’s my cousin,” I answered. “He wants to meet up. Says he’s actually stopping in Burlington soon. That he’s been approached to join—fucking shit—to join the Bobcats.”
“No fucking way. Really? You’re not bullshitting?”
“No, you know I can’t bullshit. I laugh too much. Give everything away… holy shit.”
“That’s amazing, Dyl. What are you going to say?”
“That I sent my first message by accident and don’t feel good meeting up.”
Miles swiveled his head to look at me. “Seriously?”
“Nah, just bullshitting you. I’ll see if he wants to get lunch when he gets here.”
Miles laughed, the sound of it seeming to echo in the car. Kind of like those relaxing sound baths I sometimes hear people talk about. It was soothing. I started to laugh with him.
The air wasn’t as heavy after that. The night sky wasn’t as dark. And the nightmares I was sure I’d have were kept at bay because of Miles and his protective arm thrown over my side for the entire night.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Fated End
MILES
There was a thin layer of pristine white snow covering Dylan’s yard. We had just gotten back from an away game the night before and had expected to wake up to the first snow of the season. I watched the powdery flakes fall as I brewed some coffee for us. Dylan walked into the kitchen wearing only his boxers, his hair still messy from sleep. He’d let it grow longer than his usual buzz cut. I thought he looked great with both styles and was more than happy to tell him that on multiple occasions.
There was no more holding shit back with Dylan. Life was far too precious to stay silent around the ones you loved.
“Morning, babe.” He came over and looped his arms around my chest, kissing my neck.
“Coffee?” I asked him as I poured him a mug. I already knew his answer.