Season's Greetings : Christmas Box Set

Bombarded, I blink up at them, lost. I panic for a split second, and my training kicks in. “The whole situation is unfortunate. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be returning inside. Statements will be released later.”

I hurry back inside, grateful that hospitals are like a safe space outside of public areas. Her name and the event will be splattered all over the media. Her family needs to be kept up to date. I look down at the purse I’m holding. I should call.

“Sissy, did you win?” Fiona asks as she answers my call.

“Hello? Fiona?”

“Oh my God. Is this Yoon Kim?” Her voice is giddy.

“Yes. I’m sorry to tell you this, but your sister has been in an accident. She’s having an operation now, and I want to fly you out to be with her.”

“What?” she wails.

Rustling noises fill my ear.

“Hello? This is Hart’s best friend, Ava. I’m in charge of her sister while she’s away. Did I hear you say there’s been an accident?”

“Yes,” I reply, “and I wanted you to hear it from me, not from online or one of the members of the press who may be trying to get into contact with you. There was an altercation with the winner of the show, and she was stabbed.”

“What?” she squawks. “Is she okay?”

“I’m here now waiting to hear the news,” I explain, running my fingers through my hair and tugging to ground me.

“Where are you?” Ava asks.

“I’ll arrange tickets for both of you as soon as possible,” I tell her.

“Why?”

“Because we’ve been seeing each other for weeks now, and if I have my way, we’ll never stop.”

“Ho-ly shit. Alright. I’m processing all this. Tell us when and where and we’ll be there.”

“I will make the arrangements now and contact you.”

I busy myself hunting down flights, charging tickets, hotel rooms, and sending texts.

A doctor comes out. “I’m looking for the significant other of Hartley Warren.”

“That’s me.” I hop up.

“She’s resting now. We’ve stitched her up inside and out and given her a heavy sedative to allow her to rest.”

“Can I see her?”

“Yes. As long as you don’t disturb her rest.” I mime the locking of my lips with a key. We wind down a hallway and step into a private room.

“When we realized who you were and that this incident would be part of an ongoing investigation, we decided to keep her separate from the general population.”

We step inside, and I approach her slowly. She looks so small beneath the white sheet and pale blue blanket. Seeing her so still is terrifying. I sink down and hold her hand in mind. It’s slightly cool to the touch.

“Why is she so cold?” I whisper.

“The blood loss. We gave her a transfusion, but it’ll take time for her body to heal and function the way it normally does.”

I nod and bring her hand to my lips. I should’ve been there with her. If I hadn’t left, all this might be different.

“I’ll leave you here for now.”