Chapter 92

JUNE

It stings. Everything hurts. It felt like I had a run-in with a truck, and lived to tell the tales. My entire body ached so badly, it seemed like a heavy load was placed on it, especially my abdomen.

The beeping sounds and murmured conversations caused me to open my eyes. I had to blink, to get my eyes accustomed to the brightness coming from the light bulb attached to the ceiling.

“You were supposed to keep her safe!” I heard Kristen shout. It wasn't a whisper now, but a full-blown scolding.

“I'm sorry,” Mark whispered. “It's all my fault. I shouldn't have let her leave my sight,” he sniffed.

Even without seeing him, I can tell he's crying. And that alone tugged on my heartstrings.

I opened my mouth, to call out to them, but I couldn't even utter a word. My throat felt parched. It felt like I hadn't taken any liquid for weeks—not like I had experienced that before.

“No, it's not your fault,” Kristen whispered. “It's mine. I should have kept her safe. Hell, I shouldn't have acted