Fredrinn ripped the IV out of his arm and stormed toward me. His face was white, eyes wild. He grabbed my arm so hard it burned straight through the skin, then his hand came down.
The slap knocked me to the floor.
My head rang. Warm blood rushed from my nose, dripping onto my clothes.
His voice cracked, sharp and ugly. “Is this who you are now, Lesley? Forcing Miya like that? Couldn’t you wait? Why are you like this? You’re not the Lesley I loved before. You’re disgusting.”
Behind him, my twin covered her mouth, crying softly like she was pure and fragile. But through her tears, I saw it. The curl of her lips. She was smiling.
I pressed my sleeve to my nose. Tears slid down my face, mixing with blood. I didn’t argue. There was nothing left to explain. Nothing left to save.
I stood up slowly, legs shaking, and walked out.
Right before I crossed the door, I heard his voice again. Gentle. Warm. The voice he used to save for me.
“Miya, don’t cry. I’m here now. I’ll protect you. I’ll deal with Lesley after I’m discharged.”
I smiled, bitter and empty, and wiped my tears with the back of my hand.