Part 3 Exploration
#
21 PushedRoman Antonius, tucked under the sheets of the inclined bed and affixed with an assortment of tubes, is listening to Malana Kalani, who sits at his side with an open notepad. When he sees Pari Malik enter his hospital room, he lifts his arm to grasp and squeeze her hand, but winces from smiling.
"He cannot speak, but he is happy to see you," Malana says to Pari. "The doctors wired his jaw shut."
Roman pulls down his bottom lip with his finger, exposing the metal framework inside his mouth. Before she can collect her composure, Pari cringes.
"I'm sorry," Pari says.
"It's okay," Malana says. "I reacted the same way."
"How are you feeling, Roman?" Pari asks.
Roman shrugs and gestures for Malana to hand him the notepad.
"I survive another day," Roman
