32nd Kiss

"How is she?" I inquired of the nurse emerging from Arianne's room. Kevin's call prompted my immediate arrival.

"She's stable now, sir. We're preparing her for surgery," she informed me before departing. Surgery? Why? I assumed Joseph was overseeing her care. Why the sudden need for an operation?

Approaching Arianne's bedside, I found her sleeping peacefully. Typical of her to rest so serenely. How can she be so at ease? But then again, this is Arianne we're talking about.

"J-Joseph.... Joseph...." she murmured weakly in her slumber. Even now, she's preoccupied with Joseph. We were always entangled in such matters back in New York. I clasped her hand.

Arianne, what goes on in your mind? I thought you were brave. Where's that courage now? I wanted to vocalize my thoughts, but feared she might hear. I've been remiss in my duties toward her, I confess. My own issues consumed me, leaving her neglected.