"18"

With every passing second I feel like I’m losing my mind. I bite my nails as I look for something that I could use to stop the bleeding. Anything. And then I remembered I have a spare shirt on my bag that I keep whenever I smell like smoke.

I grabbed the shirt, tore the cloth with all my might, making a long dressing for the wound. Carefully, I lift Ahbaya up by sliding my arm under her neck, just to slide the cloth and wrap it around her.

Ahbaya frowned, and murmured. “This will be quick. Bear with me, please.”

Minutes feel like hours and I did what I could to clear her face and hands.

“It’s going to be okay.” I whispered soothing words.

She keeps on fidgeting and moving. Her face contorts in pain as she whimpers.

I clicked my tongue as I reached for her hand to wipe off the blood. Frustration ran over me. Ahbaya’s body was so cold. I’ve never held her like this before. Her body was always so warm, and her face was flushed and she always smiled.

I didn’t realize that I was alr