DAMIEN 

I’d been pacing outside her hospital room for what felt like forever, running a hand through my hair every two minutes like it would somehow help me breathe. The hallway smelled like disinfectant and nerves.  

My phone buzzed every few seconds with missed calls and messages, but I didn’t care.  

All I could think about was the way Samantha’s voice had cracked when she called me.  “Come to the hospital. Now.” That was all she said before hanging up. 

I’d never ...