I shot up in my sleep and screamed. Panic shot through my body and I started to pant. What?! Adrenaline rushed through me and pulsed in my veins. Newt came over and kneeled down next to me. I hugged him and sobbed in his chest. He hugged me tighter and put his hand on the back of my head, stroking my hair. He checked my forehead as Minho, Alby, Cole, and a group of other boys came over.
"What happened?!" Alby yelled.
I sobbed in response, trying to talk, but nothing came out but loud gasps of air.
"Her head is warm. Grab water," Newt said.
Minho and Alby both nodded and ran off. Cole sat on his legs on my side and put his hand on my shoulder. Newt shot him a look and Cole's hands slowly slid off my shoulder, fingertips tracing down to the short sleeve of my shoulder. He put his head down and his hands in his lap. Newt put his head back on my shoulder and closed his eyes. Minho and Alby came back with a rag and a dishpan full of water.
"We're not promised tomorrow. The week is almost over." I managed to get out.
They looked at me confused. I realized I've lost track of the days. I wasn't even paying attention to them anymore. Let's see...1,2,3,4... 3 days left. I can't. Minho tried to grab me but Newt wouldn't let him.
"Just give it to me. The rest of you go to sleep, it's late."
No one argued except Minho grumbling and Alby's pissed off face as they went back to the Homestead. Cole got up to, looking at me sadly. Looking at me with pity.
Newt finally separated from me, but kept one of his hands on my shoulder. He dipped the rag in the cold water and gently put it on my forehead.
"Do you feel better?" He asked.
I nodded quietly.
"What were you talking about when you said the weeks almost over?"
"I just..."
"You just what?"
"Nothing. I was just saying things out loud."
He nodded. "Lay back down and go to sleep. I'll sleep here with you."
I started to protest, but he was already laying down. I laid down next to him. He hugged me and pulled me close. My back was against his chest and I felt his heartbeat on my back. My eyes slid closed and I fell asleep in his arms.
