CHAPTER 19: Determination

Nala’s Point of View

The deafening silence envelops the space between me and Hugo. Other than the hum of the air conditioner, there’s nothing else to be heard in the four corners of his room.

I’m dead serious as I gently dab the clean cotton balls soaked in alcohol on the side of his stomach, where there’s a slightly deep cut that I know came from a sharp blade. I don't know where it came from because I haven’t asked Hugo yet.

After I finished cleaning his wound and applying betadine, I covered it with gauze to prevent any further exposure to the wind that could introduce airborne germs.

I stood up, carrying the small basin filled with warm water that I used to clean his wound. Still not saying a word, I went into the bathroom to dispose of the used water and proceeded to wash the towel, which I then hung on the towel rack to dry.

After washing my hands, I stepped out of Hugo’s bathroom, which was previously filled with blood from his side. I looked at him. He was currently seated on