Chapter 138

The beeping of the monitors echoed sharply in the quiet room. Stella sat stiffly in the chair beside the bed, eyes fixed on the nurse changing the blood-soaked dressings on Charles's back. When the final layer of gauze came off, she jerked her head away. The sight of those deep gashes made her stomach turn. "All done," the nurse murmured softly. "Do you want to take a break? There's an empty room next door." Stella shook her head, gaze lingering on Charles' pale face, the feeding tube taped harshly against his mouth. It had been three days now. He still hadn't opened his eyes. Only the slightest twitching of his eyelashes hinted that he was still hanging on. "Dr. Bennett asked me to tell you," the nurse paused at the door, "Old Mrs. Hart is stable now, in Cardiology on the twelfth floor." "Thanks." Her voice was hoarse. Once the door closed behind her, the room sank into utter silence. Sometime while she wasn't paying attention, the rain outside had stopped. Without really thinking, St