The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

11 | I'll give you my heart

𝐇𝐚𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐎𝐕

Panic floods through me as Danielle collapses into my arms. Her face is pale, her eyes half-closed, and her breaths come in shallow gasps. I feel my whole world is falling apart. I can barely think straight.

"Unnie, stay with me." My voice trembles as I plead.

I lower her gently to the floor, my hands shaking as I check her pulse. It's weak and erratic.

"Come on, Danielle, you can't do this." I feel the edges of my vision blur with fear.

I force myself to stay focused, to think. I press my ear to her chest and listen for any sign of breathing. It's faint—too faint.

I gently unwrap Danielle's red scarf and take off her coat, trying to make her more comfortable. Without hesitation, I start performing CPR. My hands press down on her chest, each compression a desperate plea for her to come back. 

"One, two, three..." I count out loud with my trembling voice. 

I tilt her head back, pinch her nose, and lean in closer to her mouth, sealing my lips around hers and giving her two breaths. Her chest rises and falls slightly, but there's still no response.

"Please, Danielle, please." My voice breaking as I continue the compressions. 

I press my hands down firmly, trying to coax her heart into beating regularly. I repeat the cycle, pressing down on her chest and then giving her breaths.

God, please. If you are going to take her life, take mine instead.

I don't know how long I continue, but I swear it feels like an eternity. Just as I'm about to lose hope, I feel a faint pulse under my fingers. A wave of relief crashes over me, and I let out a shaky breath.

"God," I whisper, embracing her close for a moment before I carefully lift her into my arms in a bridal style position.

She feels so light, almost fragile. Her eyes flutter open slightly, as she looks up at me with confusion and pain. 

"Hang on, love. I'm taking you to the hospital," I say, hoping it'll reach her even in this state.

"Haerin..." Her voice trembles as she calls my name. I curse myself a million times—I'm the reason she's like this. 

Fuck, Haerin. What have you done?

"Shh, it's okay. You're going to be okay. Just stay with me."

I place her gently in the passenger seat and speed towards the hospital, running red lights and praying I don't get stopped. Every glance at Danielle makes me curse myself even more, but I force myself to focus on the road. 

Once I reach the hospital, I rush inside as fast as I can, shouting for help.

"Help her! Please!"

The medical team takes her from my arms. I'm left standing there, feeling helpless and terrified. Hours pass in a blur of anxiety and waiting. Every passing moment feels like forever, and I can't shake the fear that I might lose her. I pace the waiting room. My mind racing with a thousand thoughts.