Page 111 of Endless

“Shhh, just breathe for me first. Come on. Easy breaths. Find your beach if you need to.”

I was in my room. How had I gotten here? What was— “Damon? Oh my gosh, Damon. Is he—”

“He’s okay. Shhh. Relax.”

“What happened? I—we—were walking. Party.”

Angelina petted my hair, combing it away from my face. Her dark brown eyes were wide. How did I get home? Last thing I remembered was Carl helping me.

“Carl?”

“He’s fine. Damon’s fine. You’re fine.”

“Where is he?”

“Home, resting.” She curled some hair behind my ear. “Got roughed up pretty good. Drey found him on the next block.”

“Oh my gosh. But he’s okay? I want to see him.”

“Not yet, hon. Come on, let’s get you up. You feeling okay? You had a wicked night terror.”

The room was dark, my mouth was dry, and my tongue thick. “What’s happening? What time is it?”

“About noon. You were a little upset, doc had to sedate you a couple times.” She reached to the bedside table for a glass of water. “Here. Drink some.”

I took a few sips, looking around. It was my room, but something felt different. My body felt heavy.

“Can you remember what happened?”

I gulped through the instant tightness. “Gun. Pressed to his head. And mine.” I scrubbed my temple. “Felt it. Oh. God. I was going to die. Damon was—”

“Shhh, you’re both fine.”

“Gun, Angelina. To my head. To Damon’s. Just like… Oh, God.”

“Just like your mom. I know, hon.” She pulled me into a hug. “And you. Shit.”

“Is Damon really okay?”

“Busted up a little. Black eye, split lip. You’ve got a nice shiner there, too.”

I touched my forehead. “That’s what that pulsing was.” I gulped. “I freaked, didn’t I?”

“A little. But I think anyone would have. In your case, all the similarities to what you’ve already seen. It was justified.”

“I have to see him. Really.”

“Want me to get the iPad?”

“In person. I—need to touch him. For real. Make sure he’s okay.”

“Tomorrow. Rest. Let that shit they pumped you with get through your body.”

I sagged against her.

A gentle knock at my bedroom door had me sitting up straight again.

“Come in,” Angelina said.

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