Chapter six

I've lost track of the days.

As I lay in this stiff bed, I stare out the window and count the number of birds that fly by. After what felt like my hundredth breakdown, I refused to speak. It's amazing what you see and hear when no one thinks you're paying attention. Take, for instance, the night nurse who hums hallelujah while checking my vitals, thinking I'm asleep, or how the redhead nurse flirts with the married doctor.

I'm thankful when Abuela brings Sophia to see me. Holding her and listening to her babble keeps me grounded, and just for a moment, the pain subsides. I've been having nightmares about Dad stabbing Mom repeatedly while she cries out for help that never comes. Pain ripped through my chest knowing she was alone with no one to protect her.

Josiah wasn't strong enough to bring himself back from the darkness, but he was okay leaving me behind to drown in my own.