“What do you mean?” His dad gapes at me as perplexed as I feel.
I shrug. “I’m not sure. I’m going to get the nurse, but you should go see him.”
Susie squeezes my hand, but nothing will fix this ache in me but Killian. Closing my eyes, I take a few breaths and try to push my hurt and anger aside. Right now this isn’t about me. I’m just grateful he’s alive. Killian is awake and broody. I’ll take it as a good sign. I can’t afford to fall apart. I can be strong enough for us both. I can endure anything as long as he is awake and talking. Even if his words are ones I don’t want to hear.
“Can I help you, dear?”
“Um, yeah. Sorry. Killian Hendrix, he’s complaining of a headache.”
“That’s expected. He’s been through a lot, but I’ll be in to check on him in a few minutes.”
“Thank you.”
I shuffle toward his room slowly, allowing his father some privacy.
“Liri.” My head snaps up at Hunter’s voice.
“What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be resting at home?”
“My sister told me that Killian was awake. I called an Uber and thought I’d see how you’re doing.”
“Miserable and so happy. It’s just he says he doesn’t know me.” I burst into tears, and Hunter steps into me, cradling my head to his good shoulder.
“Hey now. It’s going to be okay. You guys have come this far, right?”
I sniffle and move back. Wiping at my eyes I feel like such a child. “Maybe he’s better off not knowing me. If I hadn’t fought with him, he wouldn’t be in this shape right now.”
“Stop blaming yourself. Killian played his part. And yeah you aren’t completely innocent but, Liri, you didn’t do anything wrong. You were justified in your feelings.”
“I don’t guess it matters.”
I see Susie poking her head out of Killian’s door searching for the nurse.
“I should go see how he’s doing.”
“Of course. I’m here for you. If you need me, just call or text.”
“Thanks. I’ll text you later.”
He’s the only friend I have right now. I never thought I would say that. Hayley has tried reaching out, but after all that has happened, I have a hard time talking to her let alone seeing her.
I linger outside of the door, waiting for the right time to go in. I can hear Conrad speaking with his son. Seems Killian doesn’t remember that he no longer hates his father.
“Why are you even here? You don’t give a shit about me. You never have.”
“Son, we moved past this. Do you know how old you are?”
“Am I the only person who hasn’t gone off the deep end? Of course I know how old I am. I’m about to graduate.”
“College? You have a year and a half left.”
“High school.”
Susie walks into the hallway shaking her head. “Is that even possible? He’s lost two years?” She turns to me, and I am at a loss for words.
“Two years. Killian has lost two years. He doesn’t know me.”
“Oh, Liri, honey…I’m sure he’ll come around.” Susie wraps her arms around me and squeezes me tight. “We’ll talk to the doctor and do whatever it takes to get his memory back.”