“Hi Lesley. Guess what?” My twin, sweet as poison. “Do you know Fredrinn risked his life for me?”
I froze. “What do you mean?”
She giggled, like showing off a trophy. “I said I wanted that necklace from the motorbike stunt show. He signed up right away. Didn’t even think. Drove so fast the bike almost flipped. When they shoved him in the ER, do you know what he yelled? My name. Mine.”
My book slipped. I looked out the window. Too bright. My eyes stung. But I didn’t let her hear me break. “So he hurt himself to make you happy,” I said softly.
“Yes,” she whispered, stretching the word. “He needs someone to take care of him now. Maybe you wanna come over?”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding. “No, Miya. He’s yours, right? You’re the one he chose to get hurt for. Then take care of him.”
She was quiet too long. I ended the call, dropping the phone on the couch like it burned my hand.
The trees outside swayed in the breeze. I stared at them until my eyes blurred. Then I picked up the phone again. My fingers dialed a number I’d memorized weeks ago.
“Hello?” a man answered.
“Hi. This is about the double grave plot, section B, number twelve. I wanted to ask if—”
The door slammed open so hard I jumped, nearly dropping the phone.
“Lesley!”
I looked up. Fredrinn. Pale, hospital gown striped, chest wrapped in thick bandages. Blood soaked through. Lips drained. Eyes burning like fire.
My phone slipped to the floor. “Fredrinn! You should be in the hospital!”
He staggered closer, clutching the door. “Why, Lesley? Why were you trying to buy a grave?”
I forced a little smile, even though my heart had stopped. “Not what you think. Neighbor’s dog died. They asked me to help. That’s it.” I tried to sound calm.
He sagged, face twisted in pain. “Motor crash.”
I rushed to him, holding his arm. “Don’t talk. I’ll take you back to the hospital right now.”
On the ride, his head rested against the seat. His lashes fluttered like a boy too tired to fight. I stared at him, memorizing his face, the way his lips parted when he breathed. My voice trembled so softly only the wind could hear. “This will be the last time I worry about you. After this, I’ll already be in the grave.”
At the hospital, I signed papers, tucked him into bed, adjusted the blanket. He drifted into sleep.
I stepped into the hall, phone in hand, voice calm. “Miya, come here in the morning. I have something important to do.”