Chapter 54 Melissa

• Frank's breathing was steady as he lay in the antiseptic hospital bed. I saw the gentle rise and fall of his chest. He had put so much at risk to keep me safe, and now it seemed like every ounce of his sacrifice was bearing down on me.
• I held his hand tenderly, aware of the IV strapped to the back, my fingertips following the lines of his knuckles while I took in every aspect of his face. Bruises covered his face, a little cut ran down his jaw, and his eyes lit up, as if he was attempting to wake up to comfort me.
• I clasped his hand and whispered quietly, "I'm here, Frank." "I am not going anywhere."