Page 53 of Choose Me

"What did you do?" I demanded, my voice raspy.

Margaret laughed.

What the fuck?

I didn't have time to think as my eyes fluttered closed. My head lolled against the wall as I fought to keep my eyes open.

Ava.

Ava…

She was so far away.

I tried to move, but my legs were like jelly. I was so weak.

Ava.

Why is it so fucking hard to move?

I tried to call out for her, but my lips wouldn't move.

My eyes refused to stay open.

My vision blurred as darkness crept in from the edges.

The blackness was so tempting, so alluring.

There was only one thing I was afraid of.

Ava.

I'm so sorry…

I love you.

My heartbeat slowed.

The last thing I saw was her tear-stained face before my world went black.

29

TWENTY-NINE

AVA

The smell of roasted beef wafted through the air, along with baked potato, green beans, and a roll that smelled like heavenly ambrosia. I couldn't help but inhale deeply, my stomach growling with hunger. She left the room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway. I listened briefly until she entered another room and closed the door. It seemed like hours before the door reopened. I strained to listen, hearing the sound of something being dragged toward my door. I held my breath, and when the door opened, I didn't fully comprehend what I saw.

Margaret was dragging Everett's limp body into my room. His face was pale, and his arms dangled lifelessly by his side. I gasped in horror, my heart racing as I scrambled off the bed to reach him.

"What did you do?" I shrieked. "What did you fucking do, you bitch? I'll fucking kill you."

Margaret turned to face me, a crazed look in her eyes. "Back up, or I'll slit his throat."

Bile rose in my throat, and my stomach sank.

Was he alive?

I backed up onto the mattress and watched her drag him to the mattress and drop him roughly to the ground.

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