PROLOGUE
"Derek, Derek?" Her breathing was laboured and her words barely above a whisper.
"I'm here sweetheart, just don't try to talk" Derek said, one arm cradling her as his other hand was pressed against the wound in her chest, desperately trying to stem the blood that was flowing out of her, causing her to slip further and further away from him.
"Please Derek, I, I"
"sssshhhh sweetheart" Derek interrupted. "Don't try and talk now. We can have this conversation tomorrow when you're feeling up to it."
He gave her a reassuring wink and smile, but the truth was he was terrified. Terrified of what she might be trying to say, and as he felt the life slipping away from her he knew right then that he wouldn't be able to live with knowing that her last words could confirm what he had always feared.
This way was better. This way he could let himself believe that just maybe she was going to tell him that she felt the same way about him that he did about her. That she needed him, loved him ... was in love with him.
"Derek the paramedics are here. You need to let them take care of Karen now." It was Julia. "Derek? You need to let them help her!"
"I don't think I can" he whispered.
Karen was growing very still in his arms. Her eyes were slowly closing but they were locked on Derek's, a mixture of fear and acceptance. He softly kissed her forehead and as she drifted into unconsciousness he whispered into her ear the only words he could find to say.
"I know."
And then he let her go.
To be continued ...