WHEN WE COLLIDE

forming on my forehead, but instead, I only manage to smear blood across my face. It's a c

just want to sleep,

ger, Mae, please," I beg,

skating?" she asks, her vo

le through the fear clawing at my chest. "But yes, of course, we can

I know my best friend will be treated, and soon

but I don't know what to say. It's been at least five minutes, and there's still no

do something f

t is

right here. I'm goin

me alone," she pleads

I need to find someone who can take us there. I promise I'll be

, the streets are deserted, but then a car appears in the distance. I wave frantically, screaming for he

ing-please help us,"

is," the driver says, not w

him as he drives. When we arr

I say, but she doesn't respond. Assuming she's too exhausted, I

n't stir. Panic tightens around my heart as I put my

" the stranger says softly from b

and suddenly, I'm drenched in sweat. All I want is to be at home with Mae,

sound of sirens, the stranger's concerned voice, an

-

irst words out of my

m down," my mother say

out, though I know it's wrong. Not

ere I see Nova sobbing, trying to comfort

ll out, my v

e's punched me in the stomach. I try to stand, but m

enkins asks, her voice trembl

roat. How can I possibly tell the woman before m

hisper before bolti

out the burning in my lungs or the exhaustion weighing