Ninety

Isabella

We arrive at the hospital a few minutes later, tires screeching as Mattia turns into the drive. A team of nurses and doctors await, an empty gurney at the ready. Terror claws into my throat. I am not ready to let him go. If these people take him away, I might never see him again.

I swallow hard. Be strong. They will fix him. He will not die. I repeat the words over and over as they take Dante from the car, put him on the gurney and wheel him inside the building. My feet are rooted to the ground, my eyes focused on the doors, now closed. An arm slides around my shoulders.

"Let's go inside." It is Gabrielle.

I fling myself into his arms, wrapping around him. "Tell me it's going to be okay."

He hugs me, his heat and strength surrounding me.

Oh, God. I cling to him, more tears leaking from my eyes. I didn't know that I can cry this much.