ELENA'S POINT OF VIEW
Nathan appeared in the doorway of the waiting room. His eyes found mine immediately.
"She's awake. She's asking for you."
Relief flooded through me. I stood up quickly.
Alex rose with me. "I'll come."
"No." I touched his arm gently. "Let me talk to her alone first. Sister to sister."
He hesitated, then nodded. "I'll be right here."
I followed Nathan down the quiet hallway. He stopped outside a room at the end.
"Whatever she needs to tell you, it's important," he said softly before opening the door.
I stepped inside.
Isabelle lay in the hospital bed, her left arm heavily bandaged, an IV line in her hand. She looked pale and exhausted, but her eyes were alert and bright.
"Elena."
I rushed to her bedside, tears already streaming down my face. "Isabelle, I'm so sorry."
"Don't." She reached for my hand with her good arm. "Don't blame yourself. Sit."
I pulled a chair close and sat down, holding her hand carefully.
