Touch In The Dark

Chapter 42

Evelyn's POV

A week has past, and Dimitri remains asleep. I haven't showered, or even brushed my teeth since I've come here, it's safe to say that I feel disgusting and slightly embarrassed but...I don't want to leave him. The only time I leave is to eat or use the bathroom.

May and I have become a little close during this time, she comes and cooks with the older ladies a lot. She says she wanted to learn so they happily took her under their wings and guided her.

"I'm going to go eat some dinner then come straight back. Feel free to wake up before I come back." I giggle at myself.

I close the door to his room, ensuring that he gets all his privacy.

As I walk through the busy rooms, I bump into someone. "Oh, I'm sor-" my body freezes as I see a disheveled Antonio. Dark circles sink around his eyes, and he has let the scruff on his face grow, the looks tired, maybe even sick.

"Are you alright? Where have you been?" I ask, happy to finally see him. I haven't even thought about him since all this, my brain has been mush.

"Yeah, I'm okay. I've been packing up my house and moving. My wife and I bought a new house, I've been pretty busy."

I nod. "Well, I'm happy to see you! There is something I have to tell you though. Do you have a moment?" I ask as I prepare myself to break some bad news about his friend.

He nods and follows me into the kitchen, where it's quieter. At least I won't have to yell Dimitri's business for everyone to hear.

"Something terrible has happened." I comment as I see him sit at the breakfast nook.

"How bad?" Worry is laced in his voice.

I take a deep breath as I search through some more leftovers.

After heating up some leftover Italian breaded chicken with rice, I sit across from Antonio and avoid eye contact. I don't know how to tell him.

"He's uh, he was shot. It's pretty bad but he's fighting through it." I give him a sad, forced smile.

His eyes grow wide. "Is he awake?" He stands from his seat.

I shake my head and take a small bite of the rice. "He's been asleep for about a week. The doctor said his vitals were good but if he doesn't wake up..." I trail.

Antonio sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose with his thumb and pointer finger as he plops back down onto the chair.

"I've been doing as much work as I can for him. Of course, I can't make anything official since I can't forge his signature, but at least it'll be ready if...when he wakes up." I tell him.

Antonio suddenly looks uncomfortable. Is it because I was in the wrong for trying to help out? His eyes won't meet mine, but I see something behind them. Pain? Maybe.

"Thanks for telling me." He pulls a cigarette out and holds it between his teeth.

"Would you want to see him? I've been with him for a whole week so hearing someone else talk might make him wake up faster." I ask using my dumb girl logic, but I know Dimitri would want to hear from his friend.

His body stiffens, his eyes never meeting my gaze. "I have to get back; my wife is expecting me." He stands up and pushes his chair in.

"Wait." I grab his arm. He finally looks at my eyes, with his watering. "I know it's hard, to see your friend like that. But please, it'll make him happy." I say softly before letting go of my grasp.