"Hit by who?"
"That's what we need to find out. I need you here. Now."
"I'm on my way."
I end the call.
Antonella is watching me. Her expression careful. Guarded.
"You have to go," she says. Not a question.
"Yes."
"Is everything okay?"
"No."
I don't elaborate. She doesn't ask.
"Will you be back before your mother arrives?"
"I don't know."
She nods slowly. Accepts it.
I grip the wheels of my chair. Start to turn toward the door.
"Bruno."
I stop.
She slides off the bed. Crosses the distance between us.
And then she's kneeling.
Right in front of my chair.
Eye level with me.
"What are you?—"
She leans in.
Her lips brush my cheek.
Soft. Warm.
The contact lasts maybe two seconds.
It destroys me.
I can't breathe. Can't think. Can't move.
She pulls back. Looks at me with those green eyes.
"Be careful," she says.
I don't respond.