Page 13 of Pretty Thing

“Not right now. But we will. I promise. Tell me something about yourself.”

I look away, annoyed that he won’t help me and hating that I can’t escape on my own.

“Why don’t I tell you about me? I’m an artist and have my own tattoo studio. I dropped out of college when my mother died to focus on building my business and to look after my brother. Also, I drink far too many energy drinks.”

My lip twitches.

“What was your brother like?” His face falls, and he looks down at our hands. “I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay. Sam, was only fifteen and when he was little also my best friend. Annoyingly positive about everything. He loved to skateboard with me, even when I didn’t want him to. And he always got great grades in school. He was the complete opposite of me.”

My heart hurts for him, and his pain gives me something else to focus on.

“It’s going to be okay. I’m here for you,” I say, and he smiles.

Felix chats softly while I rest, but most of it goes in one ear and out the other. His voice is nice and helps me rest. The ache in my chest loosens just enough for me to take a deep breath.

This is what’s not described when you hear that someone has been in an accident or lost a loved one. The lingering sensation that blankets everything. Every thought, every breath is taken up by the what-ifs and the future that now looks bleak and void of anything good.

The nurse returns a few more times to check on me. By eight-thirty, I’m done being asked the same questions, and I need to pee. Felix watches while the nurse helps me stand and make my way into the bathroom. She stays with me. The agony I feel trying to move my body is the only reason this experience isn’t completely mortifying.

As soon as the nurse opens the bathroom door, Felix is there waiting.

He reaches for me.

“I’ve got her,” the nurse says, shifting her grip slightly when Felix doesn’t move back.

His eyes lock on where she’s holding me, worry etched deep into his expression.

“I know,” he says quickly. “It’s just…Eden still gets dizzy. I don’t want her hurting herself worse.”

The nurse gives him a look. “She’ll be okay.”

Something flickers across his face too fast for me to fully place before he steps aside.

I glance between them, confused by the strange tension suddenly filling the room. It almost feels like Felix is upset with her for helping me.

“Can I go for a walk now?”

“No, you’re too unstable, and we don’t have crutches for you yet,” she says sweetly. “I can get you a wheelchair if you really want a change of scenery.”

My face falls, but Felix smiles.

“That’s perfect. I’ll push you. It will at least get you out of the room,” he offers.

With a sigh, I nod. The nurse leaves me on Felix’s bed until she returns with the chair. Once I’m seated, Felix pushes me out into the hall.

“My nineteenth birthday is in three weeks. I always hated that it was on Christmas Day, and now…now, I don’t know.”

Felix doesn’t say anything, and I appreciate that. We make our way slowly down the long hallway and then turn the corner at the end. I look longingly at the exit sign as if leaving here will solve all my problems. Logically, I know that’s not true.

“A day ago, I was excited about going to university. Today I’m thinking about my parents’ funeral and physiotherapy. I don’t even know if my parents would want anything specific for the service or have insurance on the house and car. I know none of their finances.”

I close my eyes, and all I can picture is walking into an empty home.

Felix leans close to my ear.

“Don’t worry about that right now, and if you need help with anything, I’ve got you,” he whispers.