Simon's heart hammered against his ribs.
Nearby, two doctors were talking in low, sympathetic tones.
"Did you hear? The poor kid was locked in a pitch-black room when her heart just went haywire."
"Man... if that hadn't triggered it, she wouldn't have to live the rest of her life walking on eggshells."
"I know. So young, too. Who does that to a child? When they brought her in, her lips were completely blue. Her heart literally stopped for a few seconds."
"God knows. Rivalry? A k********g gone wrong? But honestly, she's been here for days and I haven't seen her dad once."
"Yeah, probably divorced or dead. Poor kid."
Simon stumbled back until his spine hit the wall. Hard.
"Who...?" His voice cracked, raspy and raw. "Who are you talking about?! Who almost died?!"
The sudden outburst
