I paid for it. The hospital was going to transfer her —"
"You paid for it." My voice rose, cracking. "Without asking me? Without even telling me?"
"I was trying to help —"
"I don't need your help!" I yanked my hand away, tears burning my eyes. "I don't need you swooping in, throwing money at my problems. I don't need to owe you. I don't need to owe anyone."
"You wouldn't owe me —"
"I'D OWE YOU EVERYTHING!" The shout echoed down the corridor. I dropped my head, shoulders shaking. "Don't you get it? Every time someone throws me a rope, it turns into a chain. Another person who gets to tell me what to do, how to live, who to be. I can't carry any more debt. Not financial. Not emotional. Nothing."
Elias was silent. Then he stepped back, his expression crumbling.
"I'm sorry," he whispere
