13
I pressed Leo’s shirt around the bite, hoping it would diminish the throbbing pain. A nurse had taken us to a small partition within the ER, separated from other beds by blue curtains, and then disappeared, saying she would be back soon. Leo stood along the wall beside the bed, and I was seated on the edge of the bed, avoiding his gaze at all costs.
The pain escalated considerably on the way to the hospital, as did my shame. Leo and I barely talked since leaving the ranch, other than his questions if I was still okay.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
Leo approached me. “Actually, I’m sorry.” I raised my eyes to his. “I knew you were angry or frustrated or whatever, and I didn’t stop you from going to Argus. I should have stopped you.”
“It isn’t your fault. I would have pushed you away and
