"Always. Forever."
I heard her voice in the distance. It didn't sound like it was coming from over a phone. Was that Stacy with her?
"Then things will be ok."
I tried to open my eyes, but all I saw was black. Damn it. I didn't really open my eyes. Open. Open up! I want to see Charlotte.
She started talking again. She's asking more questions now. I can't hear what she's saying…
"…Are they going to chop off his leg?"
"He won't let them."
"Is he stupid?"
"No, he's being Greg."
"Then he's stupid."
Ouch. Why won't anyone accept that it's my leg and my decision? Her voice is getting farther away. Come back.
"So, like, is he going to die?"
"I think we're through the worst part."
"He's a cripple now. Maimed for life."
"Charlotte…"
Maimed for life? I could get better. There's always that chance. I'm not a positive person, but I really do think this will get better.
"He's not going to get better."
No! I will!
"We don't know much right now."
"I always thought I wouldn't have to push him around in a wheelchair until he was at least 80."
"He could get better."
Ah, thank you, Stacy. I knew I loved you.
"I thought we didn't know much right now."
I thought I was the sarcastic one. That last comment was dripping in sarcasm and tainted with hatred.
"Not knowing can go two ways. Look, I promise I'll do everything I can to get him back to normal."
Normal. Stacy shouldn't lie.
"Don't lie. He has never been normal and he'll never be normal."
Why does she sound so sad? Not normal isn't a bad thing.
"I want to go."
"Charlotte, you should stay until he wakes up. I know he'd like to see you."
Yes!
"No, I want to go. I want to go back to California."
You just got here!
"You just got here!"
"I know. I don't like seeing my father die, can you blame me?"
"You should be here."
Why isn't she saying anything? Where did she go? Why is my hand so warm? Is she holding it or is Stacy? Why can't I open my eyes?
"I don't know if I can love who he'll become and I don't think he would want me to."
And that's when I lost her. Possibly forever.
.fin.