Если я останусь

           Formyown,Ihopethelatter.

           Downstairs,theguardshustleAdamandKimtowardahallwayfilledwithdarkenedoffices.They’reabouttogoinsideoneofthefewofficeswithlightsonwhenIhearsomeonescreamAdam’sname.

           "Adam.Stop.Isthatyou?"

           "Willow?"Adamyells.

           "Willow?"Kimmumbles.

           "Excuseme,whereareyoutakingthem?"Willowyellsattheguardsassherunstowardthem.

           "I’msorrybutthesetwowerecaughttryingtobreakintotheICU,"oneguardexplains.

           "Onlybecausetheywouldn’tletusin,"Kimexplainsweakly.

           Willowcatchesuptothem.She’sstillwearinghernursingclothes,whichisstrange,becauseshenormallychangesoutofwhatshecalls"orthopediccouture"assoonasshecan.Herlong,curlyauburnhairlookslankandgreasy,likeshe’sforgottentowashitthesepastfewweeks.Andhercheeks,normallyrosylikeapples,havebeenrepaintedbeige."Excuseme.I’manRNoveratCedarCreek.Ididmytraininghere,soifyoulikewecangostraightenthisoutwithRichardCaruthers."

           "Who’she?"oneguardasks.

           "Directorofcommunityaffairs,"theotherreplies.ThenheturnstoWillow."He’snothere.It’snotbusinesshours."

           "Well,Ihavehishomenumber,"Willowsays,brandishinghercellphonelikeaweapon."Idoubthe’dbepleasedifIweretocallhimnowandtellhimhowhishospitalwastreatingsomeonetryingtovisithiscriticallywoundedgirlfriend.