I sat by Nancy's bed and watched the heart monitor blink its quiet light. The room was still except for the soft breath from her lips. I kept my hands folded so I would not touch anything I should not. I told myself to be calm, but my chest felt tight, like a belt pulled one notch too far.
I had made a mistake. I should not have told anyone about the marriage. I should not have said it out loud, not even when my anger rose and crowded my good sense out of the way. I knew the rule he gave me. I had promised to keep it. I broke that promise. It was my fault. I regretted it the moment the words left my mouth. I wished I could take them back. I wished I had kept quiet. But the wish did not change what had happened.
The phone buzzed in my pocket. I glanced at Nancy. She did not stir. I steppe
