Twenty Seven: LISA

I look over at Kayden, staring at the face of the man that I love with all my heart.

He is lying here, fighting for his life, and I feel so guilty and utterly helpless in doing anything about it.

"Kayden," I whisper, holding his hand tight. "Please come back to me. I am begging you. Please open your eyes."

Tears roll down my face at the cruelty of his pale unresponsive body. Unable to bear the pain any longer, I bend my head on the bed, hiding my face, feeling so ashamed and guilty. I allow my tears to flow and soak into the sheets.

Dear God, please have mercy. This is all my fault. Not Kayden's. Please bring him back to me. Please, I am begging you.

Guilt rips through me. Raw and unforgiving. I sob silently, feeling as though the steady beeping of the heart monitor is mocking me, despite the fact that it is the only thing in this room still showing me that Kayden still has a chance to be alive.

This is all my fault. If I could only—

"Lisa."

I hear my name, and for a moment, my painfu