13. Xavier Sinclair in ICU

AT THE SAME TIME

ISABELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:

I can barely breathe as I watch Terrence’s hands pressing down on Xavier’s chest, counting with each compression. I feel like I’m drowning in the silence. I can’t look away, can’t stop watching as Terrence resumes the compressions, each press making a sickening thud. Then, just as I think I can’t take it anymore, I see it a faint rise in his chest. A flutter. His lips are still blue, but his chest moves again, shallow but there. And then finally he gasps. A sharp, desperate breath. His chest rises, then falls again.

"X-xavier…" I whisper, tears flooding my eyes. He’s breathing. He’s alive.

Xavier’s breath is still shallow, but at least it’s steady now. I can’t tear my eyes away from him as they prepare to move him. The nurse is adjusting the ox……