I gripped David's limp hand, sobbing his name, praying to a god I no longer believed in.
The moment we breached the hospital doors, they wheeled him away.
I stood outside the operating room, staring at the red light flashing above the door.
If I could trade my life for David's, I wouldn't hesitate for a heartbeat.
But the universe wasn't that kind.
The doors opened. The doctor walked out, removing his mask. He shook his head grimly.
"I'm truly sorry. He arrived too late. The blood loss was catastrophic. We couldn't save him."
A bomb went off in my head, louder than the one in the warehouse.
Yesterday, David was smiling at me.
Today, he was a cold body on a steel table.
Darkness swarmed me. I collapsed.
When I woke, it was the next day.
The doctor told me I had severe burns and a concussion. Every movement felt like tearing flesh.
I limped home, a hollow shell.
When I opened the door, the scene before me made my stomach churn.
Leon and Claire were cuddled on the sofa. Leon was hand-feeding the golden retriever, his expression tender.
"Thank god we found A-Jin in time. Look at his appetite."
He looked up. Seeing me, his face instantly darkened.
"Why are you back so late? Where did you go off to die?"
*Die.*
The word hung in the air. My body went rigid. Before I could speak, hot tears spilled over.
"Leon... David is dead. Do you know that?"
"Your son is dead, and you're sitting here feeding a dog?"
My voice rose, cracking under the weight of my grief. "Leon Weiss, you killed him!"
"Why? There were no active bombs left! Why did you block the roads?"
Leon frowned, waving his hand dismissively. "Blocking the roads is standard protocol to ensure scene safety. Of course, a woman like you wouldn't understand tactical necessity."
I looked at his arrogant face. A chill settled deep in my bones.
The bombs were disarmed. There was no danger.
My gaze drifted to the golden retriever wolfing down steak. A violent shudder racked my body.
"It was for the dog, wasn't it?"
Each word came out slowly, tempered with hatred. "You sealed off the roads to find a beast?"
Guilt flashed in Leon's eyes, quickly replaced by defensive rage.
"Rose, don't be unreasonable. I followed regulations!"
"You personally caused our son's death." My eyes were bloodshot.