80

“No! I’m done with the breathing. His father doesn’t give a damn about that boy. And his stepmother is just some trophy at his side. And you’re going to update them before you update me?”

“It’s protocol. I’m sorry. I’ll tell you what I can, but nothing more.”

And with that, the nurse turned on her heels and went back to the intake desk.

I hissed to myself. “Bitch.”

“All right. Let’s sit you down before you get us thrown out of this place.”

Michael guided me to a chair before he left. I watched him turn a corner, disappearing from sight, only to emerge with two bottles of water. He sat down beside me and handed me one, and I tossed him a thankful look. I didn’t feel like talking anymore. I didn’t feel like using my voice. It was going in and out already. Hoarse, before coming back mightier than ever. So the two of us sat in silence and sipped on our water.

Until Michael broke the silence.

“All we can do is wait. And in the meantime, maybe we can call Allison. Get her to bring us some f