Annette moves forward, too. “Honey,” she murmurs. “What’s wrong?”
I look up at both of them, wondering how much to say, whether or not I should say anything at all.
“Childbirth is a difficult and emotional journey, honey,” Maria assures me.
“No,” I say, shaking my head. “I… I can’t fill out those forms,” I admit at last.
Both nurses exchange a glance. “Why not?” Maria asks.
I shake my head and Annette sighs. “Honey, you were admitted to this hospital. We’re gonna need you to sign a few things.”
“I can’t,” I reply desperately. “I can’t sign anything. I can’t pay for anything and I can’t put my name on anything.”
“Esme…”
“I shouldn’t have told you my name,” I whimper. “I’m such a fool.”
“Shh,” Annette consoles me. “Hush now, darling. Your son needs you to be strong.”
I know. I know I need to be strong.
I just don’t want to have to be all the time.
I want Artem.
I want my husband.
The moment the thought let loose inside my head, I felt it deep down inside my heart. The truth of it. The desperate, powerful longing for him that’s never stopped.
That never will stop.
No matter what he does, I love Artem Kovalyov.
“I need to stand up,” I say, at last. “I need to stand. Can you get the IV out? Please… please?”
Annette and Maria exchange a worried glance. But then Maria nods.
I cover myself up and hand Phoenix over to Maria, while Annette moves forward and starts releasing me from the drip.
The moment I’m free, I get out of bed, frustrated by how little my body wants to co-operate. Another bolt of pain courses through my body and strikes at my stomach.
But I don’t have the option of a slow recovery.
“Honey, you sure you wanna stand right now?” Maria asks.
“Yes,” I insist. “I need to walk. To breathe.”
I can feel my anxiety levels spike and I hear a siren in the distance.
Are they coming for me?
I killed a man in the diner. They’re no doubt looking for me.
I should have been out of the town by now.
“Honey. Esme!” Maria grabs my shoulders and pulls me around to face her, forcing me to meet her gaze. “You’re in real trouble, aren’t you?”
I nod, feeling another sob scratch at my throat. “Yes. Yes, I am.”