RALPH

She looked at me like she wanted to slap me again.

And I didn’t blame her.

The sting on my cheek from the last one still burned hotter than fire, but it was nothing compared to the pain in her eyes.

That pain… was mine too.

Her breath was erratic, her hands clenched in the sheets as if she gripped tighter, time might rewind.

Tears spilt freely, and her lips trembled like a dam on the edge of collapse.

I hated seeing her like this. Broken. Confused. Terrified.

“Keilah,” I murmured, stepping closer cautiously like she might strike again. “You need to rest. You’re hurting.”

“I can’t sleep,” she...