108 Lisa: Ava’s Absence (I)
LISA
Lucas is bigger than I thought he’d be.
The thought comes randomly as I stare at him across Ava’s bed. He never spares me a glance; he’s attuned to her every breath. There’s pain etched across his face that makes my heart ache for him.
I’m hurting, too. But this fated mate connection that
shifters have…
It’s on another level.
Kissing the back of Ava’s hand, I lower my head to pray for the hundredth time today.
Dear Lord, please hear my prayer. I know I don’t go to church and I don’t follow your commandments. I know
I’m a terrible Christian. I’m not even sure I am
Christian. But I know you’re supposed to care about all of us, so please–if you’re listening–please, save Ava.
She deserves so much more than this.
Of course, there’s no answer. Half of me is hoping for a miracle, but the other half knows the prayer’s
15:25
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108 Lisa Ava’s Absence (1)
pointless.
There’s nothing any of us can do.
The doctors are confused. All they can say is that she’s stable and should wake up when she’s ready.
But why is she even in this bed in the first place?
We didn’t do anything extra strenuous.
She’s been healing fine.
So why?
Vanessa’s words about Ava’s wolf have me worried, but
about Selene. These
secrets.
wakes up? the
I don’t know.
silent, because there isn’t much to say.
and family. My parents are still pissed at me, I’m pretty sure. Mom’s changed our group chat name from My Happy Randalls to Empty Nest Randalls with a sad emoji, and she hasn’t spoken in
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Ava’s Absence (1)
I
He’s not thrilled, but he’s not about to let
the only thing for me here in Granite City, and now I’m terrified that she won’t be
But there’s been so
even worried about being
Wait. Pregnant.
she ever get an answer
be pregnant?
be
like a lead weight in my stomach as I glance toward Lucas. His presence is intimidating on a good day, but right now, with Ava unconscious
of question? Hey,
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Lisa: Ava’s Absence
by the way wasn’t you, cause
no. That’s not happening.
about being pregnant, but we never really circled back to that topic. There was always something else going on, some new crisis. to
against the white hospital sheets, I can’t help but wonder if that could be the
holding it together as it is, his eyes never leaving Ava’s face, his hand gripping hers like he’s
put this on him. Not now.
can help, someone who
Vanessa.
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Ava’s Absence (1)
a lifeline. She’s the healer who’s been taking care of Ava, the one with
“I’ll be right back,” I whisper, even though I know she can’t hear
sense that he’s aware of my every move. It’s unnerving, but also
out of the room, letting the door click shut softly behind me. The hallway is quiet, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glare against the white walls and tiled floor. I take a moment to orient myself, trying to remember which way Vanessa’s office is.
I think. Or maybe right?
left, figuring I can always backtrack if
Ava’s Absence (1)
questions and worries, each one
it? What could possibly cause her to just collapse like
one sends chill down my spine. I wrap my arms around
be okay, Ava.
corner, and nearly collide with someone coming from the other direction. I stumble back, an apology already forming on my lips, but it dies in
Vanessa.
looks just as surprised as I feel, her eyes widening as she takes in my disheveled appearance. “Miss Randall?
mouth, but no words come out. Suddenly, all of my carefully planned questions
throat.
16:26
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