Coma, Cruelty, and Caleb's Betrayal

en I woke, there were no family members,

ucky. A coast guard

cool. "He said to give you the best care. He and the rest of t

rse sh

chart. It was Dr. Evans, the same man who

e to your lungs, Ms. Reid," he said gently. "I'm afr

he words swam before my eyes, but t

bed and walked down the hall.

ivate suite was ajar. I

cheerful. "Yes, Caleb and Fitz are taking great care of me... Oh, Ericka? The doctors said

pa

, tinny through the phone, replied. "As lo

ht was already shattere

and turned. She saw me

nt smile spread

e a triumphant whisper. "They don't care

a raw tear in my throat.

had everything, Ericka. The perfect family, the perfect fia

your life. And now, I have it. I have your parents, your

r malice leaving me numb. There was no ange

al whisper. "And they'll all be so blinded by my grief, they'll never even question it. Caleb is

"And I'm not done yet. I have one more littl

e. Unseen by her, my hand was in my pocket, my thu

to one of mock horror. She ran to th

on't push me!"

en she

t. I looked down and saw him running toward Hailie's crumpled form

ace a mask of terror. "D

ed a weak whisper. "Caleb... it

s eyes met mine, and the lo

ce a low, terrifying growl

ds who were rushing to the scene.

heir hands rough o

risingly steady. "Aren't you e

oken sound. "Why would

for me. They were for him. For the man he used

r trusted m