The beeping sound was the first thing Violet heard when they entered the room, the slow, mechanical beat filling the silence with dread.
Then came the sight of Asher on the bed with wires everywhere. He had a breathing mask over his face, IVs in both arms, and monitors flashing numbers she didn't understand.
Violet had never seen Asher look so pale. So fragile. So vulnerable. And it was all because of her.
This time, Violet didn't cry out loud, she let the tears run free on her cheeks. Her knees hit the floor beside the bed as if her legs had forgotten how to hold her up. Then she reached for his cold and limp hands, and clutched them desperately like they were her lifeline.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Asher. Please don't do this. Please don't leave me. I'm sorry…" Violet said it over and over, like a prayer, like the words themselves could undo what had happened.
