Chapter 17

Selena lay in the hospital bed, dressed in a blue and white patient's gown with an IV in her hand, while her wrists were wrapped in thick bandages. Her unadorned face looked quiet and almost serene, though her lips were pale, and she was thinner than ever. Her once-delicate collarbones now stood out starkly. Looking at her now, I couldn't help but wonder if she had been taking care of herself at all since I had left. Zion came in, glanced at me, walked over to her, and gently tapped her shoulder. "Selena, wake up. Look who I brought." Slowly, she opened her eyes, still half-dazed. "Hud, you're finally back. I missed you so much," she said, stretching her arms out, wanting a hug. After seeing her look so fragile, I, feeling a surge of guilt, leaned in and embraced her gently. Zion, watching us, looked visibly uncomfortable and quickly stepped out, leaving us alone. Selena poured out her heart, talking about how much she missed me. It stirred something in me, but my mind kept drif