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Bobby trembled as pain, white hot and intense, flooded his body. His mouth opened to cry out but snapped shut as the suffocating dullness of the drugs flowed through him, taking away the hurt. His eyes fluttered open.
“He’s awake.” Mom stood by the bed. She squeezed his hand, leaning down and kissing his forehead. “Hey, little man.”
“Mom.” He tried to tighten his fingers around hers, yearning for the warmth, the connection, but his hand wouldn’t obey.
“Hey, champ.” Dad stood next to Mom, his arm around her.
Beth was at the foot of the bed, his little brother clasped onto her side, tears streaming down his round cheeks.
“Ricky, you’re here.”
“Ye...yes. I’m not going anywhere.” Ricky wiped his face on his sister’s shirt, but she only tightened her arms around him.
“Beth.” H
