DEBORAH'S POV
I sat on the cold tile floor of Carnell's, knees burning, fingers bleeding, mascara running down my face in black streaks. The noise around me faded to a distant buzz, almost peaceful in its way. I wanted to close my eyes and disappear, but I kept them open because I was afraid if I blinked, I would never open them again. My body ached, my chest hurt, my ears rang. I pressed my cheek to the floor and tried to breathe through the pain.
I heard Elijah's shoes as he stepped away, leaving me there. He did not care one bit. I wanted to scream his name, beg him to stay, but I was too tired. I'd already begged enough for one day. Instead, I listened to the whispers growing louder, the clinking of plates, the scuff of chairs scraping back as people leaned in for a better look.
