“He didn’t,” Irina says, looking almost mad, her breath coming fast. “It was an accident.”
I shake my head and wince, closing my eyes as the spinning worsens. Irina refuses to let go of my arm. “You know,” she begins, “Pavel has no father. I am the only real family he has. My boy was born special. He didn’t really mean to hurt you, he was just angry and lashed out. He cannot think like you and I do. Please.” She clasps her hands together. “Forgive him, just this once.”
I sigh, weary of her voice. The pounding in my head worsens, pulling at the edges of my focus, making me ache for sleep. My body slumps further, heavier, until I hear Niko call my name, like it's coming from the end of a tunnel. Oh no. Am I more hurt than I thought?
When I wake again, I’m in the hospital. Sterile white wa
