Chapter 29. Loss.

Stephanie Miller.

I wake up slowly and feel like I’ve been hit by a train. I have no notion of time or space. Slowly, I remember where and why I am here.

I open my eyes wide and see how Mark takes me by the shoulders, immobilizing me. “Steph, I need you to calm down, okay?”

I breathe quickly, but nod in silence. “Good girl. Now, I need you to try moving your toes.”

I frown and do as he tells me. I look at his face and ask, “Are they moving?”

He looks back at me, sighs, and a relieved smile takes over his face as he tells me, “yes, they’re moving.”

“Why were you so afraid, Mark? What happened?”

He sighs and tells me, “Let me set up the stretcher for you. Meanwhile, your entire gang is waiting outside.”

“Mark, where are my children?”

Finish arranging my stretcher so that I can semi-sitting.

He tells me, “Try not to talk too much. You just had major surgery and it will hurt for a long time.”

“Mark, answer the question. Where are my children?”

I watch as Enzo, Amelia and Emily enter the