22. Yes We Are

Aiken's voice at the door pulled me back to reality, his words a reminder of the situation's urgency. "The doctor will be here in about ten minutes. Should I ask him to come back here or...?"

I glanced at Penelope, her face still pressed against the towel, blood seeping through its white fabric. "Can you make it to the living room?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

Her reply was laced with dry sarcasm, "Well, if I couldn't, maybe I should be going somewhere else... like a hospital."

I winced at her words, my guilt deepening. "I just thought you wouldn't want to deal with all the 'Are you in an abusive relationship' questions," I said, trying to keep my tone light despite the heavy feeling in my chest.

Penelope's response was sharp, "Hell, maybe I am."

Her words hit me like a punch. "That's not funny," I shot back, the tension between us noticeable.

There was a pause before she mumbled, "It's a little funny."

I couldn't help but smile despite the situation. "That's my line.