Thirty Nine

Isabella

I open my eyes. The sun illuminates so brightly that I can barely see. I raise my hand to cover my eyes and inadvertently jerk on the IV tube. What the hell? As soon as my eyes get accustomed to the light, I take a careful look around. All the equipment around me suggests I am in a hospital.

What has happened? Then it strikes me—Dante was… My heart starts racing, and all the devices surrounding me begin whining. A doctor appears in the room, followed by a nurse and Gabrielle.

I noticed Gabrielle and started crying. Wracked by great sobs, I can't say a word. I cough, sputter, and choke, waving my arms in panic. The door opens and a figure appears on the threshold: Dante.

He passes everyone and falls to his knees next to me, taking my hand and snuggling his face against it, looking at me with eyes filled with fear and exhaustion.

"I'm sorry," he whispers. "I—"

I put my hand against his lips.