Chapter 22

Days passed, and I stayed by Willow's side, watching over her as she lay there. I was starting to lose hope that she would ever wake up. My family and friends came to visit, but never Willow's mum or stepfather. Nat came a few times, but the last time she was here, she said she was sorry, but she couldn't stand to see Willow like this.

One night, as I sat holding Willow's hand, willing her to wake up, Kasey spoke up softly. "Brax's, you know how much she means to you. You can't lose hope now. She needs you more than ever."

His words struck a chord in me, and I realised he was right. Willow needed me now more than ever before, and I couldn't give up on her.

As I sat in the uncomfortable hospital chair, staring at Willow's pale face, my mind raced with thoughts of revenge against the people who did this to her.

I clenched my fists, trying to push down the anger that threatened to consume me. But then Willow's hand twitched ever so slightly, and my heart leapt in hope.

"Willow?" I whisp