ISABELLE'S POINT OF VIEW
Pain.
That was the first thing I felt. Sharp and burning in my left arm.
Then sounds. Beeping. Steady and rhythmic. Voices. Muffled. Distant.
I tried to open my eyes but my lids felt heavy. Like they were weighted down.
Where was I?
I forced them open. Fluorescent lights. White ceiling. The smell of antiseptic.
Hospital.
Why was I in the hospital?
"She's waking up." A female voice. Familiar but I couldn't place it.
"Isabelle?" Another voice. Male. Closer. "Can you hear me?"
I turned my head toward the sound. My vision was blurry but I could make out a face. Dark hair. Worried eyes.
"Nathan?" My voice came out as a croak.
"I'm here. I'm right here."
His hand found mine. Warm. Solid. Real.
Memories started flooding back. Fragmented. Scattered.
The parking garage. Shopping bags. My phone rang.
Footsteps behind me.
Three men.
The knife.
"Oh God." I tried to sit up but pain shot through my arm. I gasped.
