Isabella Alessandro entered after a gentle knock, holding a small plastic bag containing the medications and ointments prescribed by the doctor. "Thank you," I said as he handed it over to me. "Where is he? Damon?" I asked. "He is outside," Alessandro replied. "He said he has some quick business to attend to. He'll be back shortly," he said in an even-toned voice. He looked as though he would never get angry in his life. Perhaps he would, but I had never seen expressions on his face thus far. He gave me a nod and left. Paula walked in soon after. "Are you okay?" she asked. "They said I could see you once the doctor was done." Her face was a mask of deep concern. I gave her a reassuring smile and patted the foamy couch beside me for her to sit. She was still dressed in a bathrobe, and

