Her eyes darken slightly, and if I’m not mistaken, there’s a hint of pain hidden in them.Darkness she likely tries really hard to ignore.“I really am glad you’re okay.”
“That makes two of us.”Exhaustion is already pulling me under again, but I don’t want this conversation to end.Not when I’ve been trying to get her attention for the last few months.“Well, you’ve saved my life twice now, and we haven’t even properly met yet.I’m Garrison Holt.”
“Katelyn Ellis.And since I’m the one who nearly killed you that second time, I shouldn’t get the credit.”
“I’m giving it to you anyway,” I reply.“How did you know what to do to rinse it out, by the way?Do you have a lot of experience with pepper spray?”
She shifts in her seat, a telltale sign of discomfort.“Just intuition.”She stands.“I need to get my son home.I left my number with your nurse, so if there’s anything you need, please let me know.I want to help.It’s the least I can do.”
I hate that she’s already leaving, but I can also see her flight response in action.The fact that she is taking the blame for my being back in the hospital clearly has her spooked.“Thank you, Katelyn.Seriously, it’s no big deal at all.Just an accident.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.“You’re welcome, Garrison.I hope you feel better soon.”