Ev
I heard the cops come in, but didn’t really pay attention. The adrenaline in my body had run out. I felt short of breath. I began to feel pain. Every bruise, cut and the inside of my soul begin to cry out in agony. Donnie was holding me on the bloody floor; it was comforting feeling his breath on me. I flashed back in time remembering when he was a baby and had that sweet baby scent. I flashed forward to when he was a toddler and everything was new and exciting in the world. There was no fear then. Now, he would be scarred for life. He would never be the same. A sob caught in my chest, mourning what was and what is no more. Terrified of what was to come.
I didn’t want to talk. I didn’t want to move. I suspect a part of me didn’t want to live.
“Ma’am,” an officer said. “Do you need an ambulance?”
Donnie answered them. “Yes, what the fuck? There’s blood everywhere!” He was upset and he had every right to be. I wanted to tell him to use his manners but I didn’t have the energy. I just shook my head up and down feeling discombobulated.
“Where’s Detective Hope?” he asked. “He was the only one that believed us!”
The officer looked at him grimly. “He was taken to the hospital. I expect he will have to have surgery. That is all I can tell you.”
Donnie pointed to Adam. He rushed over to him and kicked him in the side. “Get this piece of shit out of here. He tortured my mom and killed Ness.” He started bawling. Big tears. “I need to call my grandparents.”
I heard the officer on his handset asking for two ambulances. I hoped mine would be going to the hospital and not the morgue. I looked at Ness and Dug. He was still humming to her. I heard him whisper in her ear: “Don’t worry, Ma. Bernie is waiting for you. She is waiting to wrap you up and hug you. She says you did good. Real good but it’s time to rest. Your miles are done. You can sleep now."
Everything began to fade and I was welcomed by darkness.