“Where did she go?” The boy grabs my arm, panic and adrenaline evident in his powerful grip.

“She went that way. Around the corner.” I motion to the alley behind the clinic.

“Made she no verbal question?” His voice trembles.

“No. All she said was…”

“Tell me!!”

“All she said was… ‘Away, and let me die.’”

“Vengeance! plague! death! confusion!” He takes off running.
_________________________________________

“Look, sir, I bleed.” She looks down at her wrist, her life dripping slowly to the cement beneath her, and makes no move to stop it.

“Why did you do this? I was here for you.” He presses his palm to her wrist, and blood wells between his fingers.

“True, my good boy. But this has nothing to do with you. My sickness grows upon me. I can’t go that way…” Her voice fades as she grows weaker.

“I’m going to call 911. I’ll be right back.” She manages to reach up and grab my hand.

“Sir, you speak nobly, but… don’t leave me.”

I look into her eyes, watching as they grow dull.

“I’ll never leave you.”