Chapter 173

BELLA’S POV When I was fourteen, I broke my right arm and had to wear a cast and sling for two months. Not only did it hurt like a bitch, it made my life extremely difficult, especially since I’m right-handed. I was so used to using the arm that was now out of commission. I’d try to absentmindedly reach for things or carry out normal daily functions and be painfully reminded that I couldn’t. It was like the arm was there but also missing, and all I could do was wallow in pain. That’s how it felt with Nico gone. I know, I know. Wasn’t I the one who chased him away? Didn’t I scream the factory down because I wanted him to leave me alone? I knew all that. Which was what made this more frustrating. It felt like I had broken my arm. I kept instinctively glancing around, expecting to catch Nico not-so-subtly watching me. When the doctor walked into my room, I would lean, trying to catch a glimpse of Nico walking in behind him. I’d gone back to eating my meals late, and while I did, my eyes w