In the dead of night, the vibration of a phone was jarringly loud in the bedroom.
Annelise Valentine shot up in bed the moment she saw the caller ID. Her fingers trembled as she quickly swiped to answer.
"Zane?"
A series of heavy, ragged breaths came from the receiver.
"Zane? You're awake!"
Another suppressed groan came from the other end of the line, followed by a long exhale, as if he was just now mustering the strength to speak.
"Yeah…"
"Sorry…" He gasped for air. "Last night, I… didn't see your text…"
"Is that really what you're worried about right now?! How are you? Are you uncomfortable? Does it hurt? What did the doctor say?"
"Don't move. Wait for me. I'm on my way. Do you hear me? I'm coming to the hospital to be with you right now!"
As she spoke, she jumped out of bed, her bare feet hitting the floor. Ignoring the pain in her knee, she pressed the phone to her ear and frantically fumbled for her scattered clothes.
