**Molly**
Luke stayed with me. He laid there, right next to me, for hours on end. I knew it was late, and he must've been exhausted, but he didn't let it show. I had to admit, his presence probably wasn't helping my heart problems. With each of his kisses, the beats sped up. When he left for the bathroom, they slowed. I wondered when I'd get my diagnosis.
Before Luke had arrived, the doctor had pronounced my situation a bad one. I was nervous. At the wreck scene, I'd fainted at least 3 times, and a couple more in the hospital. The doctor had said that if my heart didn't stabilize, the fainting would keep happening. I knew it would get worse.
Suddenly, Luke's head lolled onto my shoulder. I heard his deep, steady breathing, which banished all bad thoughts from my mind. I smiled, and rested my cheek on his head, gently running my fingers through his soft brown hair, mussed from sleep.
"Miss Christian?" The doctor said, entering the room. I held a finger to my lips and motioned for him to come closer. "Miss Christian, I have your diagnosis." I nodded. "Well, your heart still isn't stabilizing, and I don't think it ever will. When it beats too fast, you may experience shortness of breath, headaches, spotty vision, and you may pass out. When it beats too slow, it'll be hard to breathe, with the same symptoms."
"What'll happen... later?" I asked, and he knew what I meant.
"There's no way to be positive until it happens, but..."
"Doc, just give me a time limit."
"A year, at the most." I nodded gravely.
"Thank you. Could I have a moment?" The doctor accepted and left. As soon as the door clicked shut, tears welled in my eyes. I turned my head and kissed Luke's head.
"I heard him," Luke said quietly, pulling his head away and looking at me sadly. I offered him a wobbly smile.
"It's still a year. I expected less." Luke was silent, and his grief was tangible. He was scared. I pulled him closer and wrapped my arms around his neck. He stiffened, then, all at once, his arms encircled my waist, holding me tightly. I felt his body shaking, heard his gasping breaths. "No, Luke, no." Tears spilled out of my eyes, landing on the back of his neck. "Don't do this."
"Molly, don't leave me," Luke whispered, sniffling, trying to control his tears.
"I'm not going anywhere." My voice came out a heartbroken sob.
"Why you? Why now? It's not fair!" Luke snapped, in control now. He released me and I did the same. "It's not right." I looked down, twisting the bedcovers between my hands.
"I'm so sorry, Luke," I told him, emotion washing over me as I finally took in my life limit.
This time, I was the one being comforted.
