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And I want to stay just like this Where I know she’s safe becausefucking hurt her again

"They hit the car hard," she whispers againsttomy seat belt, and we flipped on our side I saw their feet--I knew they were co for me"

I press her closer and have to force oes shaky and I hear the tears "And all I could think was that I’d never see you again" She pulls back just enough so she can look up at me "That I’d never have the chance to tell you thatthat I have loved you forever"

The last word co "but never as ht now"

I wipe her tears aith ainst her upper lip And my voice is steady, solid, with the easiest words I’ve ever said

"I love you"

Then I tuck her in againstto have lots of tiain Thousands of days to show it" I kiss her hair "It’s gonna be sickening"

She laughs

And that’s when I know for sure that she’s going to be okay

• • •

A little while later, after a nurse checks in with paindown some apple juice, I ask about the bastards ent after her

"The agents shot them They’re dead"

"Good" There’s a dark undercurrent to my voice

I take the empty juice box from her and put it on the table She lies back on the pillow, looking sleepy--theits job She touches her discolored cheek "You can start calling me Bruiser now--there’s a nicknaives bruises, not gets the my scowl "Too soon to joke about it, huh?"

"A h time to make this jokeable"

Before she can reply, a sharp feh the closed door

"Do you think I’m concerned about hospital policy? I don’t care if she already has a visitor, I will see ood eye slides closed "Oh no"

"Remove yourself frounusually haggard in an untucked dark blue blouse, black slacks, her pearls askew, her hair falling out of its bun I’ve never seen Mitzy’s hair not flawlessly styled; I always figured the strands were too terrified to uard, I stand but don’t move an inch from Kennedy’s bedside Because, mother or no mother, if I hear one backhanded insult, I will lose my shit

"Hello, Mother," Kennedy says quietly