OWAIN LUTHER
"Victoria!" Karima’s voice broke as she rushed toward us. I scooped Victoria into my arms, my eyes darting towards Karima.
"Call one of the nurses," I told Karima. She spun around, waving down a nurse who hurried over and directed us to a room.
I laid Victoria gently on the bed. She was barely hanging on, her eyes fluttering open, then shutting again, breathing shallowly.
"Please wait outside, sir," the nurse said. I gave a short nod and guided Karima out with me.
The moment the door closed behind us, she collapsed against me. It was the first time I’d ever held a crying woman in my arms. Her forehead pressed to my chest, her breath warm against my skin. I almost reached up to pat her back, to comfort her, but before I could, she lifted her tear-streaked face to mine.
"W
