CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

When we finally got home, Carl called Nate to help me to my room. I could tell he was reluctant to be seen with me, and it stung. I appreciated his help, but I wished he didn't feel like he had to hide it, and he could have been just walked with me, but it was better he didn't.

I felt a sense of gratitude and connection toward him, a feeling I hadn't experienced since I'd been with Royce, even though some of the things he said at the hospital were aggravating.

"Sorry about the pain." Nate mouthed as she helped me onto the bed. Her voice was quiet. She lingered for a moment, as if waiting for me to say something. "Do you need anything else?" she asked, her brows furrowed with concern.

"Thank you," I responded, not wanting to keep her any longer. I waved a hand dismissively, and she left the room, the door shutting behind her. I reclined on the bed, allowing the soft surface to envelop me. I tried to let myself relax for a moment, yet still trying to process everything that had happene