Ben reached for Elzi's hand and held it with his eyes closed. He had been motionless the whole time, not moving a bit, not saying a word.

It had been more than an hour since Ben had been like this. He did not move anywhere, just stayed where he was. He was sitting next to Elzi, who was lying on the hospital bed.

Elzi had not woken up. Since the pain had torn through her body, she had screamed and writhed, clutching her stomach. Finally, the pain had managed to conquer her consciousness.

“Ben.”

A gentle touch landed on my shoulder, causing my eyes to open. I didn't turn around,...