Page 2 of Mercy

At the mention of Tor's name, my heart does a little flip in my chest.

Images of his bottle-green eyes and that crooked smile flash through my mind, bringing a genuine warmth to my face.

"How's he doing?" I ask, unable to keep the concern from my voice. "I know he was released before me, but..."

Fern's expression softens slightly. "He's healing well. Stubborn as always, trying to do more than he should."

I can't help but laugh at that. "Sounds like Tor."

One of my nurses, Marcie, comes in and greets the two of us. "You ready to get the hell out of this joint?"

I laugh, appreciating her humor. "You have no idea."

She walks around the back of me and puts her hands on the wheelchair, starting to push me forward. "Okie dokie, then let's go before they find another reason to keep you locked up in here."

As we make our way out of the room, I cast one last glance around the space that's been my home for the past few weeks.

The blank walls and empty bed seem to mock me, reminding me of the long, lonely nights spent here, drifting in and out of consciousness.

We head down the hallway in silence, the squeaking of the wheels on the polished floor being the only sound.

My mind races, trying to reconcile the conflicting emotions warring inside me.

On one hand, I'm desperate to see Tor again, to lose myself in the comfort of his presence.

On the other, the thought of stepping foot in the clubhouse makes my palms sweat and my heart race.

As we reach the elevator, Fern breaks the silence. "You know, Meghan, if there's anything you need to talk about..."

I press the down button, perhaps a bit too forcefully. "I'm fine, really. Just ready to get out of here."

Fern nods, but I can feel her eyes on me as we step into the elevator.

The doors slide shut, and I watch the numbers tick down, each floor bringing me closer to a world I'm not sure I belong in anymore.

"Tor's been asking about you," Fern says casually as we reach the ground floor. "Every day, in fact."

My heart skips a beat at her words, and I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face. "Really?"

Fern chuckles. "Don't act so surprised. That boy's been smitten with you since you two shared a room."

Marcie chimes in, "I'm not surprised to hear that in the least bit. The man might be a flirt, but he's got his eyes on someone special."

I feel a blush creeping up my neck. "We're just friends," I mutter, but even as the words leave my mouth, I know they're not entirely true.

What Tor and I have... it's complicated, undefined, but definitely more than friendship.

As we step out into the bright sunlight, I squint, shielding my eyes.

The world seems almost too vibrant after weeks spent in the muted tones of the hospital.

I take a deep breath, savoring the fresh air that fills my lungs.

Fern leads us to a sleek black SUV parked in the pick-up zone.

As she opens the passenger door for me, I hesitate, my grip tightening on the strap of my bag.

Fern asks, her brow furrowed in concern, "Everything okay?"

---