Page 18 of Vow of Hate

Slowly, he nods and motions at a nurse to come over, who slowly approaches me.

“Are you ok?” she asks in a kind voice. It makes me want to cry but I still hold it together. Not until I see my mom.

“I need clothes. I need help. I was kidnapped. My mother was shot and was brought to this hospital. I need to see her.”

“Ok. I’ll get you a gown you can put on until we find you some clothes. How does that sound?”

I nod.

The nurse shares a glance with the security guard. They probably think I’m on drugs as well.

“Where is my mom?” I ask.

“What’s her name?”

“Henrietta Lanza.”

“I’ll check that for you.” The nurse motions for me to follow her. “Let’s get you into a hospital room. I’ll get you that gown. Have you looked over.”

“I’m not injured.”

“Ok. But I’d still like to make sure you’re all right.” She brings me to a room and hands me a gown. “You can change into this.”

“Please. Just check on my mom’s name before you look me over. Please.”

She must sense the desperation in my voice because she nods. “Ok. I’ll do that.” She leaves the room, shutting the door behind her. I open it a crack just to make sure it’s not locked.

She returns a few minutes later. “I just checked. We do have a Henrietta Lanza here. She just got out of surgery and is on the fifth floor. Room 506.”

“Thank you. I need to go see her.”

“I would like to look you over first, if that’s ok? Make sure you’re fine. It’s protocol.”

“I am not on drugs,” I snap. “A man kidnapped me and shot my mom. I just want to see her.”

“Understood. I can call the police for you.”

“No. Just let me see my mom. Please!” I scream, louder than I ever have before.

The nurse raises her hands in surrender. “Ok. Ok.”

I brush past her out of the room and head straight to the elevator. That’s when I notice the security guard coming towards me. To stop me.

I run into the elevator and slam the button. The door closes before he can catch me.

I make it onto the fifth floor and walk straight to my mom’s room. That’s when I see her.

On the bed. A large oxygen mask over her mouth. A monitor beeping, telling me she’s alive. But she’s not awake.

“Mom?” I whisper, stepping into the room. She doesn’t move at all. “Mom?” I take her hand and squeeze it but she still doesn’t show any acknowledgment that I’m here. She must still be coming out of the anesthesia if she just got out of surgery. “I’m here. I’m here.”

That’s when the tears hit and I finally let myself relax, knowing my mom is alive. I fought for her. I fought because of her.

That’s when I hear someone behind me. “How touching.”

Dante.

Spinning around, I come face to face with him. He’s here. In the doorway. Watching me and my mom.