The Night Before I Knew Him
he whispers, voice weak and ragged.
"Shh, I’m right here. You’re going to be okay. Just hang on," I say, tears soaking his sleeve.
"Monitor shows ventricular arrhythmia—prepare defibrillator!" a paramedic shouts.
"No! Don’t—" I start to protest, but the medics are already acting, paddles in place.
"Clear!" one calls, and the jolt makes Hermes’ body jerk violently. I cry out, hugging him down.
"Come on, Hermes… come back to me," I whisper, rocking him gently. "Please… you can’t leave. We have a life to live… our baby… our life together…"