"Please, don't go! Stay with me!" he cried out.
"I'm begging you! I know I messed up. Olivia, please don't leave!"
He lunged at the body, now a swollen, decaying mass. Several personnel quickly moved to hold him back.
Drained, sleep-deprived, and emotionally broken, Rowan's body finally gave out. He collapsed unconscious.
Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself in a hospital room, encircled by several of his pupils. Over the past few days, they had been taking shifts to look after him.
"Mr. Bradford, you've finally come to," a gentle voice said. It was Marion.
"The Provincial Excellence Awards are tomorrow. As a nominee, you'll need to give your presentation. We've already set up the PowerPoint for you."
"Please review it and let us know if any changes are needed."