Two days had passed since the anniversary party. Nathaniel's surgery had been successful, yet he still lay unconscious.
Zara's heart ached as she sat beside his bed, watching his still form. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't erase the doctor's words from her mind.
'The wound itself isn't deep, but the blade was laced with poison. We administered the antidote, but the toxin had already spread through his system. He has slipped into a coma. His condition is critical. We've done everything medically possible. Now only prayer can help.'
Fear clawed at her chest. The thought of losing him was unbearable. Tears streamed down her face.
"Nathaniel… how long are you going to sleep like this?" she whispered. "Grandma is gone. She was shot. She died right there." Her voice trembled. "Today was her funeral. Everyone was there, except you…"
Her words broke apart, forcing her to pause.
