Nigel pressed the button to summon the nurse. He was out of ice chips. His throat felt so raw, he could barely swallow, and he couldn’t talk. Sleep was coming in spurts. When it did, he saw this face—intense green eyes and a scar that ran across this face. The worst part was the intense hatred that this guy’s expression revealed. One of the most disturbing things was that the guy was young, older than Nigel but not by much. Three years maximum! Nigel shuttered at the thought.

Nurse Sandy appeared with a new IV, a bag of ice chips, and a fresh spoon. The room looked different, too. The previous room had an empty bed next to his; this was a private room. Have they switched rooms on me?

“Merry Christmas, Nigel.”

Was it Christmas already?

“Oh, I almost forgot. You have a visitor.”

Nigel started writing. He presented the nurse with a note that read, “Who?”

“A couple of girls.”

The nurse exited the room and escorted two teenagers in. Nigel’s heart seemed to miss a beat when he saw Jet. He recognized the second girl as Cassidy, who had been instrumental in facilitating a video chat that seemed to raise more questions than it answered. He gave Jet as large of a smile as his stitches allowed. Jet smiled but could not hold it as tears started to flow. She was at a loss for words. She held Nigel’s hand for a long time.

“How you feeling, Nigel?” Cassidy said.

Nigel responded by writing on his notepad.

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“Can’t speak. Hurts like hell. Can swallow drops of water from the ice chips.”

Cassidy read the note, then showed Jet. Nigel wrote for a long time before giving the pad of paper back to Cassidy. He briefly recounted the events of the past several days.

“When can you go home?”

“Soon, I hope,” Nigel wrote.

Cassidy felt the buzzing of her phone. “I need to take this.” She stepped outside.

“Please don’t talk, my love,” Jet said.

Nigel felt his face flush.

“My father doesn’t understand the bond that we both share. We have been through a lot in a short time. Our connection runs deep. When I was in the hospital, he found a new place for us to live. I had to move just after coming home. He doesn’t know that I’m here.”

“Where do you live now?”

“Newport, almost a two-hour drive. My dad thinks I’m visiting Cassidy.”

Jet paused to collect her thoughts. Nigel resumed his scribbling, ripped out a page, then handed Jet the note, which read, “How long are you here for?”

“I need to start driving back after my visit.”

Nigel's mouth trembled. He was filled with emotion that he never felt before.

“I can stay for a while.”

Nigel held Jet’s hand for a long time.

“Nigel?”

Nigel and Jet turned to see Ellen and Ralphie sanding in the doorway. Nigel didn’t know how long they had been there. He lost track of time. Nigel waved. Ralphie waved back. Milo poked his head out from behind Ellen.

“Who is this?” Ellen asked.

“Her name is Jet,” Milo said.

Jet extended a hand, and Ellen shook it. She gave Nigel a nod.

“The doctor said you can come home later today. He will be in soon to check your stitches and to go over your at-home healing plan.”

Nigel grinned. This was the best news he had all week.

“I need to drive back to Newport before dark. I will text you or see you online, Nige.”

Nigel blew her a kiss, and Jet’s cheeks turned red as crimson as she returned the gesture. The exchange was not lost on Ellen. She was happy that Nigel had supportive friends.

“Cassidy, do you need a ride home?” Jet asked.

“Mrs. Watson can take me.”

“I no longer have a car. I had to sell it to pay Nigel’s attorney.” Ellen looked down as she said the words.

“That’s okay, Mrs. Watson. Milo and I will grab a ride share home.”

Jet sneaked another glance at Nigel before beginning the long ride home.