[[[all of your flaws]]] [[[part i]]]

61.

I woke up in the hospital, fully aware of everything that had happened. There was no amnesia, like in the movies, but there was a lot of pain in my stomach. And my first thought was Dan. Had he got out? Had Steven killed him? This was all my fault. I should never have walked into his life. I'd bought him so much trouble and fear.

'Dan?' I called out. When I tried to sit up I found my whole body weak and sore.

'I'm right here.' I felt a hand in mine and then his face appeared beside me. A face covered in bruises and cuts. I burst into tears.

'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.' I sobbed. He smiled kindly, kissing my forehead with his lips.

'This is not your fault. None of it.'

'What happened? I don't remember what happened after I...'

'You got him. You stabbed him in the chest and then you sort of passed out. You had internal bleeding. You've been to theatre for hours.'

'Is he...?'

'I don't know. I was more concerned about you.'

'Are you ok?'

'I'm ok. Broken arm, lots of bruising.' He stifled a small laugh.

'Oh Dan, I'm so sorry.'

'Don't. I'm sorry. I should've been there. I'm never leaving you for a second, ever again. Once you're out of here, I promise to keep you safe.'