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“Your bandage will need to be changed every four to six hours, depending on the drainage. There’s a continued risk for infection, so you’ll be sent home on an antibiotic.”

“And when can I take a shower and go home?”

“You can take a sponge bath today, but no soaking in water for a while. As far as getting discharged, it could possibly be tomorrow or the next day. I wanna make sure you’re stable before releasing you. Though the risk is low, there’s a possibility of sepsis, and with your blood pressure a little spiked, I’d feel better watching you a bit longer,” she explains.

“Okay. Well. That was a lot to take in at once.”

“I understand. You’ve been through a lot. Do you have any other questions?”

“Not that I can think of right now. Thank you so much. I really appreciate all that you’ve done,” I tell her genuinely.

“You’re welcome. If you think of anything else, don’t hesitate to call for a nurse. They’ve got my number, and I’m happy to answer any questions you have. I’ll stop in tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. Thanks again.”

She grins, then leaves.

I swallow hard at everything she said, then remember my dog. “Who has Sassy?”

“Mimi and Pops,” Tyler says. “I’ve kept them up to date with how you’ve been doing. They’ve been here every day.”

“Wow, I hate that I worried them,” I say just as Gemma and Katie rush into the room. They lean over the bed and hug me.

When they pull back, Gemma’s wiping her cheeks.

“Don’t start that,” I tease because I hate seeing her emotional over me.

“We were so upset! It’s not easy seeing you like this.” Gemma frowns.

“I was ready to track someone down,” Katie says. “Especially after everything we’ve been through these past few years. I was worried to death. My PTSD couldn’t handle it.”

My eyes soften. “I know. I’m sorry that I worried y’all.”

“We were ready to murder someone,” Gemma says.

“I’ve already gone to prison once, but I’d do it again,” Tyler says.

“Same,” Archer adds.

“Add my name to that list too,” Gemma says.

“Sorry, but I’m not built for prison life.” Katie snorts. “But I’ll provide y’all with an alibi to keep you out of jail.”

“Oh my God, y’all. Poor Scarlett. She’d have to come live with me.”

“Never mind, I take it back.” Gemma laughs.

I look around the room, grateful and happy to be alive. I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love me. With all that being said, once I’m better, I’ll find out who did this.

After an hour, my body grows tired, and Katie notices. It wasn’t that long ago when she was in the hospital after being kidnapped. “We’re gonna let you get some rest.”

They take their time telling me goodbye before they leave. Then finally, it’s just Archer and me.

“You can go if you want,” I tell him, not wanting him to feel forced to stay. “You look exhausted.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Everleigh.”

My heart flutters. “Thank you.”