But I needed to stay strong for Athena. I would grieve after I made sure she was okay. I helped change her out of her hospital gown and into my dress shirt. She was facing me, looking down, as I tied her hair up into the neatest bun I could.

"Butterfly?" I said when she kept her head down. "Look at me." I tilted her head up by her chin and as soon as her eyes landed on me they became glossy.

"I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry, Alessandro. Please don't hate me I didn't mean for it to happen. I ...