Page 2 of Unsuitable

I’m coming, baby. Just hold on.

I reach her.

Her eyes are open. And blank.

“No…baby…no.” Pure anger tears through me, and I cry out a primal sound.

I collapse beside her. “I’m…s-sorry.” I pull her dress down, covering her up.

My vision blurs again.

My heart is slowing down.

It hurts to breathe, and when I do, it’s like I’m taking in water.

I’m dying.

I close my eyes and reach out for her hand. Taking hold, I curl my fingers around hers.

Footsteps. Heavy footsteps are treading through the undergrowth.

Then, I hear a snuffle.

An animal. A dog maybe?

“Help…” I croak, trying to expel my voice as loud as I can. But, even to my own ears, it’s not enough.

There’s no response.

Using all the strength I have left, I force my voice out. “Help!”

The footsteps stop.

“Is someone there?” a male voice says.

Yes. “Help…please…”

The footsteps start up again, moving quicker, coming closer.

I hear the rustling of leaves from the bushes surrounding us and then, “Jesus Christ!”

Thank God.

The man lands on his knees next to me. A dog licks my face.

“Hank, stop it. I just gotta tie my dog up. I’ll be right back.”

“No! Don’t…go. Help…her…please,” I gargle, blood flooding my throat, as I panic.

He moves away, but he returns a second later. “I’m back. Try not to speak.”

Ignoring him, I say, “Help…her.”

Maybe she’s not really gone.

He can try to revive her…do CPR…

I feel him move over me to get to her. “Honey…can you hear me?”