Lost Me Gained Regret



I had a nightmare.

Actually, a series of them.

But the last dream was different. I dreamed of Grandma, her face radiating kindness as she spoke to me.

But her words were gibberish to me.

It felt like she was saying goodbye.

Why would she be saying goodbye?

"Grandma, don't go!"

I saw her leaving in my dream, shouting for her in my sleep, chasing her through the mists of my subconscious.

But although she seemed to move at a snail's pace, I couldn't catch up.

Suddenly, the scene shifted, and I woke up with a start, my foot stepping into thin air.

"Don't move."

I was drenched in sweat, feeling an iron grip on my calf.

The pain was sharp, drawing a wince and a gasp from me.

As the pain eased, I saw Gregory massaging my leg.

"You've got a cramp."

Indeed, it was a cramp, but his reaction was quicker than mine.

"Greg, how long till we get back to Vista Town?"

Gregory glanced at his watch, "Around eight or nine tonight."

"I want to go see Grandma straight away."

"

Gregory paused, then quietly agreed.

Something felt off. "You're keeping something from me, aren't you?"All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Gregory continued to massage, bending and straightening my leg, "Does it feel better now?"

I moved my leg a little, nodding, "Yeah, better."

Gregory stood up, "Dr. Andrews is on board. Let's have him check you over."

"I'm sorry."

Gregory looked puzzled by my sudden apology. "What for?"

I explained, "I just fell asleep without asking how you were."

Gregory seemed amused, patting my cheek, "Even if you had asked, these wounds wouldn't heal instantly. Besides, after what you and the kid have been through, I'm just relieved you could sleep was worried you wouldn't be able to rest, oreat properly."

I got up to inspect his injuries.

Gregory said, "They're just scrapes, and the cuts aren't deep. I've had them treated and bandaged."

"It's not those I'm worried about."

I had him sit at the edge of the bed and gently opened his shirt to look inside.

"After you were rushed to the ER, I woke up here on Mark's boat, clueless about your condition."

Gregory took my hand, guiding me to sit on his lap.

I resisted, but he pinched my cheek, "Don't worry, you won't crush me."

"The scars on my back are nothing serious, but..."

I grew anxious as he tensed, "But what?"

Gregory leaned his head on my

shoulder, sighing, "But they'll leave

se don't hold it against me,

or think of leaving me."

I couldn't help but feel resigned.

If he hadn't shielded me, I might have been severely injured. How could I resent him for scars?

"As long as you're okay, that's all that matters."

"Trust me, I'd never leave you."

Gregory hid his complex emotions well, but when he looked up again, his expression was back to normal.

"I'll go get Dr. Andrews, and bring you something to eat."

"You were even talking in your sleep about being hungry."

No wonder, considering I'd thrown up everything I had eaten earlier.

I tugged at his hand, "Can you ask Christine to come too? I'd like to talk to her."

Gregory nodded and left the room.

As the door clicked shut, I felt a heaviness in my chest, as if it was filled with cotton.

"Jane."

Christine arrived before Dr. Andrews, probably waiting just outside or in the next room.

"That was terrifying."

She hugged me briefly, then said,

you

"When Summer Taylor came at you like a madman, I tried to pull you away, but Gregory was faster. Then Dailey pulled me back."

"If only I'd reacted quicker, Gregory wouldn't have gotten burned so badly."