127

My grip on my anger loosened, a surge of guilt and concern replacing the blinding rage that had consumed me. The realization of what I had done struck me with a force that was almost physical, a wave of regret that crashed over me. The emotions that had driven me to charge forward were now replaced by a potent mixture of remorse and fear.

As I looked down at Meghan's unconscious form, my heart ached with a pain that transcended words. The woman I loved lay on the ground, her eyes shut close and body, unmoving, the consequences of my actions etched across her features. The image of her hurt, of her body crumpled on the floor, was a stark reminder of the depth of my mistakes.

Zack looked just as stunned as I was, his eyes darting between Meghan and me. I dropped to my knees before her. Gently, almost tentatively, I reached out and touched Meghan's cheek, my fingers trembling against her skin.

I swallowed hard, my throat tight with emotion as I struggled to find the words to express the