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“We need to brush your hair to collect any potential evidence he may have left.” That sounds a lot better than what I had just endured.
They sit me up, undo my bun and Katie runs a comb through my hair.
“We’re done.” They bag and seal the comb and place it next to the bags holding other evidence.
“When may I go home?” If I spend another second in this room, I’ll lose whatever’s left of my sanity.
“I would really recommend you stay another night.”
“I can’t stay here. Please, I need to go home.”
She gives me a sympathetic nod. “Okay, we can start your discharge paperwork now.”
“Thank you. For everything.” Her kindness and compassion have helped make this horrifying process a little easier.
“You’ve got nothing to thank me for.” A small smile tugs at the corner of her mouth, and then she walks out.
“I’ll go get you those papers,” says Katie.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
“No trouble at all. Be right back.” As she leaves, my three favorite people return.
“They didn’t hurt you, did they sweetheart?”
“No Mom, I’m fine. Promise.”
“You should try and eat, baby,” Damian says, sitting beside me.
“Guys, I’m fine. I just want to get out of here.” Lexi walks up to my bed holding a white shopping bag.
“And that’s why I got you these goodies!” She reaches inside and pulls out a black T-shirt and black sweatpants. “The gift shop had the nicest outfits ever. I know, I know, super sexy. No need to thank me.”
“But where’s your matching outfit?” I tease.
“Only you could pull this off. Oh, and look at these flip flops.” She shows off a pair of plain black ones as though they’re a pair of the nicest stilettos. I shake my head, laughing, just as Katie returns.
“So, I have all your paperwork right here.” She hands me the clipboard and I sign everything without even bothering to read it with my one good eye. After I hand it back, she removes my IV. Flexing my arm a little, I still feel the slight burning ache where the needle used to be.
Everyone leaves again so I have some privacy as Katie helps me get dressed. My legs are a little wobbly as I stand. “Let’s take a little walk around the room. Let me know if you feel dizzy at any point.”
“Okay.” She loops her arm around mine and we take small steps.
“Other than the pain in my face, I feel fine.”
“You’re due for another dose of Motrin, so once you get home make sure you take it.” I nod and as she sits me back on the bed and helps me get dressed all I could feel is the fear scrabbling from inside me, knowing I’m about to leave the safety of the hospital and emerge into a world where he still lives, where he still wants to kill me, where he still might.
* * *
“You guys don’t have to baby me, you know?” Mom and Damian help me to the couch, their arms around me as though I’ve broken my legs instead of my nose. Lexi has to work tomorrow and had gone home after I had been discharged, so she’s not here to keep me entertained.
“Would you let your mama take care of you?” She rolls her eyes as if I’ve said the most ridiculous thing. Damian chuckles as he gently helps me sit down.
“Fine, fine, only because I almost died.” Damian stills, his hands on my shoulders.
Mom gasps, tears filling her eyes. “Lilah! Stop that.”
I reach for her hand. “Oh Mom, I’m sorry.”
