The Story of Us

X-rays

I hold her hand while a nurse wheels in an x-ray machine. She stops at the foot of Faye's bed and gives us a crooked smile.

"My name's Reda, and I'll be doin' your x-rays today." She has an accent of sorts; southern and a little bit Australian. "These are just check up x-rays to see how your bones are healin', or if they're healin' at all."

I look over at to see Faye's face lined with nerves. "I never liked x-rays," she murmurs, staring at Reda as she sets up the x-ray machine. "They would always show me what I didn't want to see."

I give her hand a tiny squeeze. "I'll help you through this." I'll tell you a story.

She looks hesitant, but nods anyways, finally meeting my eyes. Alright, but not too much gore, okay?

Noted. I smile, and Faye closes her eyes.

Once upon a time...