gistered what I'd said, too focused on comforting her. Carmen, however, pulled away from him, her eyes wide with undisguised horror

, painting the snow a dizzying red. My strength evaporated, a

r. He watched, stunned, as the dark red stained not just the snow, but my dress, then seeped on

ongue thick and heavy. All I could manage was a choked whimper as

he's bleeding like that..." Her voice trailed off, a chilling understanding dawning in her e

resh gush of blood, hot and sickening, down my legs. He sprinted towards the car, his face a mask of terror. He drove like

hrough my clothes, making a grotesque puddle on the passenger seat. The scent of it, thick and coppery, filled the enclose

range sense of calm began to settle over me, a terrifying resignation. I wanted it to end. I wanted t

s rushed forward, their faces a blur of concern. The bloodied tableau drew shocked stares fr

m! She's bleeding hea

ainst the pain. I was so cold. So tired. I

Carter's voice was frantic, h

ctor said, her voice firm, as t

s eyes wild. "No! I

, I caught one last glimpse of Carter. His face was a twisted mask of despair, his eyes wide with a terror th

A nurse began injecting something into my arm, the liquid a cold ribbon tra

ing the doctor's arm with what little strength I had

eyes searching mine.

ust... take it out. I don't want it to... to suffer. Not like this. Not with him." The last wor

eir faces etched with a profound sadness. Th

ng a beach at sunset. "Someday, Haven," he'd said, his voice husky with emotion, "we'll have a little one. A girl, with your eyes. Or

. The world had won. And I was alone. The warmth of that imagined future faded, replaced by the chilling c