ELLA

“So, are you two very in love,” asks Beatrice, a few hours after she’s woken up. Like the doctors have said, she’s a fighter and she’s fighting hard, despite all the medications being pumped into her.

Our hands are entwined, and Darren is seated next to me, unable to take his eyes off her. I am scared he’d start crying again and I wouldn’t know the right thing to say.

Meanwhile, Beatrice’s question still lingers in the air, awkwardly. Her voice is weak but firm, ...