#Chapter 17: Schadenfreude

Audrey “She’s right through here.” The nurse pulled aside the curtain and let Tina and I through. Exchanging glances, we stepped into Avis’s small hospital room—the scent of antiseptic mixed with fresh flowers from a vase on the side table overwhelming us. “You guys came.” Avis grinned at us from the hospital bed, her blonde head sporting a clean white bandage where she had hit it. Tina and I surged forward, each of us hugging Avis from one side. When we pulled away, I practically had tears in my eyes. Tina pushed her red hair out of her face and beamed down at Avis. “Tina told me you were okay,” I said, “but I had to see for myself.” Avis giggled and tucked a stray blonde curl behind her ear. “The doctor said it was just a mild concussion,” she said, reaching up to touch the bandage covering her temple. “Did you have to get stitches?” Tina asked as she leaned closer to get a better look. Avis nodded and let out a huff. “Yeah. They said i