Page 166 of Closer

The doctor blinks, taken aback. “Ms. Edmunds, you’ve undergone major surgery. You need time to heal.”

I sit up, and a wave of dizziness washes over me. “Can I at least stand, and where’s my phone?”

Landon scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “To do what? Call that asshole who nearly got you killed?”

I glare at him. “You don’t—”

Uncle Marc clears his throat, placing a hand on Landon’s shoulder. “Perhaps we should let Lilian rest. This isn’t the time or place for this discussion.”

Nodding in agreement, the doctor scribbles something on his chart. “I agree. Ms. Edmunds needs her rest. You can come back during visiting hours tomorrow.”

Landon scowls, but a sharp look from Uncle Marc silences him. “Fine.”

I watch them leave, my heart heavy. I know they’re trying to protect me, but Sebastian did nothing wrong.

As the door closes behind them, the doctor checks my vitals, his brow furrowed. “Ms. Edmunds, I know you’re eager to leave, but you need to take it easy. Your body has been through a lot.”

I sink back, too tired to argue.

“Get some rest. I’ll be back to check on you later.”

The door closes behind him, and my eyes grow heavy.

The same dream plays on repeat, haunting me as I drift in and out of sleep over the next few days. The doctor comes by frequently to check on me, adjust medications, and do some testing. Marc, Levi, or Landon are permanently stationed at my bedside, barely leaving the room except to get food or use the restroom.

It’s tiring.

Just as I’m about to doze off again, Sloan comes into the room, waving to me.

Levi throws on his jacket. “I’ll be back soon. She will watch over you. That okay?”

“Um… sure.”

Sloan pats Levi’s head. “You should eat something, too. How will you look over her if you’re skin and bones?”

“Yeah, yeah. I will.” Levi leaves the room.

She shakes her head, laughing. “These two boys, right?”

“Yeah… Sloan?”

“Yes?”

There are so many questions I want to ask. Ask about my mother. My father. That night. But most important. About Sebastian. I miss him.

“How about we play some cards?” She takes out a deck from her purse.

I nod.

She takes a chair, sits down beside me, and deals out the cards on my bed. “You know, your mom and I used to play cards all the time.”

“Really?”

“Yes, she always beat me,” she says. “Never had a chance.”

I pick up my cards, studying them without really seeing them. “Can you tell me more about her?”

“Of course. Let’s see…” She taps her chin. “Oh, I’ve got a good one. We snuck into the college swimming pool after hours.”

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