Adrian tightened his fingers on the armrests of the wheelchair and attempted to push himself up onto the bed. The effort drained him instantly.
His arms quivered, his knees wobbled, and a heavy weakness spread through his body. He dropped back into the wheelchair, his chest heaving.
"Damn it," he muttered under his breath in frustration. "I can't even move properly… How am I supposed to stand beside Summer like this?"
The thought gnawed at his heart.
What if she looked at him and saw nothing but a burden? What if his weakness pushed her away?
"No," he growled. "I won't stay like this."
Clenching his jaw, he tried again. This time, he forced his body to comply, ignoring the violent tremors in his limbs. He planted one foot on the floor and attempted to rise. But the strength wasn't there.
He crumpled to the floor in an undignified heap.
