I tried to scream, but it was like something was gripping my throat, crushing the air out of me. My body wouldn’t move, no matter how much I willed it. All I could do was stare at Ashton, lying there like a lifeless doll.

"Ashton, wake up! Please, talk to me!" Betty’s voice cracked as she shook him, her hands trembling. But he didn’t respond—not a word, not even a twitch. I couldn’t believe this was him. Even back when we used to share a bed, he was hyper-aware of ...