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AT THE HOSPITAL, I FOUND ADRIAN MAKING A NURSE LAUGH

I hated him for that.

Not really.

But a little.

He was propped against pillows.

Oxygen beneath his nose.

A white bandage wrapped around his right forearm.

Bruising along his jaw.

His left shoulder immobilized.

He looked terrible.

He also looked alive.

The second he saw me—

the smile disappeared.

“Claire.”

I stopped in the doorway.

He looked at Marcus behind me.

Then back at me.

“Oh.”

“That’s all you have?”

“Happy birthday?”

I burst into tears.

Adrian immediately tried to sit higher.

Bad idea.

He winced.

“Don’t move.”

“Okay.”

“You idiot.”

“Okay.”

“You unbelievable, stupid—”

“I know.”

I crossed the room and kissed his forehead.

Then hit him very gently on the good shoulder.

“Ow.”

“That did not hurt.”

“Emotionally.”

I started crying harder.

He reached for my hand.

“I’m okay.”

“No.”

He corrected himself.

“I’m going to be okay.”

That was different.

I could accept that.