Page 443 of Eternal
Then I go back. Through the tears. Through the smoke. Through the people she saved.
I returned to the room where she found it all.
And there, on the desk, she left them.
A small pile, tapes, a few photos pulled from albums stacked nearby, cassettes with names, everything she found.
I pause, my throat closes. I search for something, a bag, anything, and all I can find is a small trash can with a liner inside, I empty it onto the floor and start filling it.
Everything she touched. Everything she uncovered. Every goddamn piece of proof.
They’ll see it, all of it. I sling the bag over my shoulder and head back out, back to her, back to the car. She’s still buckled in, still peaceful.
I slide the evidence next to her like it’s part of her body now.
It is, it’s her voice, her fight.
I sat beside her, her head resting on my shoulder now, my hand holding hers, cold. Always cold.
“Always had such cold hands, baby,” I whisper. “And I always warmed them, didn’t I?”
I call Vik’s phone, and Kat picks up first, her voice is quiet. “Damir?”
I open my mouth, nothing comes out at first.Breathe. Breathe. Breathe.
“It’s Azra.”
A pause, then Vik’s voice, on speaker. “What happened? Where is she?”
I stare ahead, her head on my shoulder, her hand is still in mine.
“She’s… not doing well. I’m taking her to the hospital.”
Kat’s voice breaks. “Not doing well? What does that mean?”
I think I’m lying, but I know I’m not.
Still... maybe she’s simply cold. Maybe she’s still waiting for warmth.
Vik: “Damir, what the fuck happened?”
“Please be there, she wanted to see you. Both of you,” I whisper. “She reallydid.”
Then I hung up.
Because I can’t do this part on the phone, I turn the key, and we drive.
123
DAMIR
“Another Love” by Tom Odell
Present
The hospital doors slide open.
I carry her inside, no stretcher, no ambulance. Only me and her, like always. I don’t even stop at the desk, I just shout: “Please, she’s been shot…”
