She still rarely used the bed.
Her hands kept reaching instinctively for the animal hide that had been removed.
“Your father is alive,” Dr. Wong said.
No response.
“He was not working with Stone willingly.”
Samantha’s eyes flickered.
“He was captive too.”
Her breathing changed.
Dr. Wong continued carefully.
“We found his injuries.”
A tear appeared.
Samantha wiped it away immediately.
“He tried to protect you.”
Her lips moved.
No sound.
“You do not have to see him until you are ready.”
Samantha covered the spiral on her wrist.
Then whispered:
“I left him.”
Dr. Wong remained quiet.
“I left him there.”
“You escaped.”
“I heard him.”
“What did you hear?”
Her entire body trembled.
“Stone hurting him.”
The words came broken.
“He was screaming.”
She pressed both hands over her ears.
“I went through the tunnel.”
“You survived.”
“I left him.”
Dr. Wong lowered himself until he was sitting on the floor several feet away.
