Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

JUNGLE HOSPITAL LUKE

The room was hot, the kind of humid heat that clung to your skin like a second layer. This wasn't any hospital I was used to-

there was no sterile smell of antiseptic, sharp beeping monitors, or clean, white walls. Instead, I was convinced a chicken was about to stroll in through the front door, and this place kept remedies in jars probably made in a garden they have outback. I didn't care-l was alive, and I hadn't felt this good in months. But at least there were people.

Other people.

Not just Josh and Sarah.

Now, I needed to somehow tell Jess I was alive, but looking around, I wasn't convinced this place had an international mobile network.

The realization hit me like a slap, and panic gripped my chest. "Josh. Sarah." Their names tore out of me as I pushed against the stiff sheets, my body lurching forward.

Two nurses immediately sprang into action, their hands firm but not harsh as they pressed me back onto the cot. Their voices were a rapid-fire of words I couldn't understand.

"Wait-no!" I struggled against their hold, but my limbs felt weak, every movement a reminder of how broken I was. That's when I felt the tight, pulling ache in my shoulder, the dull throb at my

0.00%

on instinct, brushing against. thick bandages wrapped

my side, but at least I could move it. Fighting them wasn't going to help. It would

worse.

other as they checked my bandages, their touch brisk and efficient. When one of them leaned closer to dab at my shoulder, I caught a glimpse of the torn edges of my shirt, still stained with

made my stomach churn, and I clenched my jaw to

stepped into view. He was older, his brown shirt rumpled and damp with sweat, his face weathered but kind. He carried a small flashlight, which

I guessed-muttered something I didn't catch, then stepped back with

friends here?" I asked, pushing myself upright again, ignoring the nurses' protests.

with possibilities. What if I'd been

if Josh and Sarah were still

my thoughts in their tracks. Was that a yes? Did that mean they were

pressed him harder, my voice rising. "Are

cut through the tension, sharp

suicidal idiot

wave, washing away every ounce of panic. I turned my head so fast my vision blurred, and there she was Sarah, standing in the doorway with

Without thinking, I reached for her, pulling her into a hug. She didn't hesitate, wrapping her

head. He'd looked

answer.