I tumbled down the steep slope, pain
exploding through me. My leg…I couldn’t
move.
Darkness.
Then, Ethan’s arms, lifting me, his eyes red-
<
rimmed.
“Livvy Moon, don’t worry. I’ll get you to a
hospital.”
“Why?” I whispered, tears blurring my vision.
“Why are you doing this to me?”
The wound was external, but my heart felt
shattered.
His voice trembled. “I didn’t know they’d do
that, Olivia. I swear…”
Then, nothing.
I woke up with my leg encased in plaster. The
doctor said the damage might be permanent.
Tears rolled down my cheeks.
Ethan sat beside me, his face etched with
worry.
He drew a tiny moon on the cast. “Livvy
Moon,” he whispered. “I’ll be here until you’re
better.
“99
I closed my eyes, and he tucked the blanket
around me, tiptoeing around as if I were
made of glass. He fussed over me, fetching
everything I needed, running back and forth
for almost an hour before finally sitting down.
The perfect, attentive boyfriend.
The one who orchestrated my downfall.
I pretended to sleep, my heart pounding a
painful rhythm. Ethan stayed up all night,
watching over me.
<
He kept kissing the little moon on the cast,
tears streaming down his face. He held my
hand tight, as if I might disappear.
“I’m so sorry, Livvy Moon. It’s all my fault. I
should’ve never listened to them. I should’ve
never hurt you.”
“I’m glad I still have a chance. I won’t ever
hurt you again. You’re my everything, Livvy
Moon.”
“I almost lost you. I’m so sorry.”
