22: The Crossroads

My eyelids fluttered open; heavy and gritty. It took a few moments for my vision to cooperate as the lightening in the room was a little too bright. Everything was blurry. I tried to move, only to wince as a sharp pain surged into my head.

"Nicole? Nicole!" It was Sergio Fernandez. Although my vision remained blurry, I could recognize his voice. "Nicole, can you hear me?"

"Sergio?" My voice emerged as a rasp. I could barely even hear myself. My whole body was hurting. I felt extremely uncomfortable lying on the bed. Slowly, the incident of how I got shot started replaying in my mind. For a horrifying moment, before I completely lost consciousness, I thought it was going to be the end for me.

"You're finally awake," he smiled, taking my hand carefully in his. I can't thank God enough for this. I thought we were going to lose you. Luckily, the gun was aimed above your chest and no vital organ was hit."

I already knew I was vengeful, but my action proved to what degree. I was willing