Can't fight it

A hushed conversation is going on around me, but I can’t quite make out the words. A sharp throb is simultaneously stabbing me at my temples and my right side.

Every breath feels pained, and labored.

My ribs are definitely broken.

“She needs to get to a hospital,” James’ voice prevails through the darkness.

“How are you going to explain the way she looks, boy?” Joan snaps, “Dante’s getting the car cleaned up, but it’s clear that it wasn’t a simple car accident.”

A warm tingly feeling starts in my hand, spreading up through my arm. I feel a gentle squeeze as fingers lace with mine, “She saved my life,” James’ broken voice whispers, and I can’t fight the urge to smile.

My eyelids flutter as I try to focus on his face, “You’re okay,” I croak, causing his head to snap up. Bloodshot eyes meet mine, and my lips pull upwards. James’ wet hair is slicked back, likely from pushing his fingers through it.

“Rosa,” he gasps, standing and moving to the head of the bed.

His fingers tenderly mo