Chapter 121
121:
But Linsey, consumed by her fear, didn’t listen. As the nurse approached, her panic escalated.
“Stay away!” Linsey screamed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face. Desperately, she turned her head, and her eyes landed on a fruit knife on the nearby table. Without thinking, she snatched the knife, holding it out defensively.
“Stay away! If you come any closer, I’ll… I’ll…”
The nurse stopped, frozen in place, unsure how to proceed. Fearing Linsey might harm herself, the nurse quickly exited to seek help.
Just as the nurse dashed out, she nearly ran into Dominic, who was pushing Collin’s wheelchair. “Dr. Larson! Please, come quickly! The patient is agitated, and I don’t know what to do!” she exclaimed. Collin’s eyes widened with concern. He propelled himself toward the room as fast as he could.
Upon reaching the doorway, he saw Linsey, knife in hand, her face etched with fear.
“Linsey!”
Collin’s chest tightened as he stepped closer, stopping at the edge of the bed.
At the sound of movement, she let out another terrified scream.
“Stay away! Don’t touch me!”
Her head remained bowed, her entire body trembling. The fruit knife in her grip shook violently, held so tightly her knuckles turned white. Blood seeped from the back of her hand where the IV needle had been ripped out, crimson streaking against her pale skin.
The sight sent a sharp pang through Collin’s chest.
Pain flickered in his eyes, but he forced himself to stay calm. He took a slow, steady breath and softened his tone, keeping it low but firm.
“Linsey, look at me. It’s Collin. I’m here. You’re safe.”
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Linsey stiffened, her breath hitching as her wide, tear-streaked eyes locked onto his.
“Collin?” she whispered, voice unsteady.
He nodded slowly.
“It’s me, Linsey. You’re safe. We’re in a hospital—no one can hurt you here. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.”
Her gaze searched his face, as if trying to separate reality from nightmare. Slowly, the wild panic in her eyes dulled into something steadier.
“You… you’re really Collin.”
Collin exhaled a quiet breath of relief as the tension in her shoulders eased.
Keeping his movements slow, he extended a hand toward her.
“Linsey, give me the knife,” he said gently. “You’re bleeding—we need to get you patched up.”
His voice was calm, tender. Little by little, her defenses began to crumble.
She never looked away from him, even as he slowly pried the knife from her trembling hands and set it aside.
Just as he was about to call for a nurse, she suddenly lurched forward, throwing herself into his arms.
The words died on his lips. For a moment, he froze, staring blankly at the wall as the warmth of her body pressed against him. His heart pounded so fiercely he could hear it in his ears.
His hand lifted, hesitating in the air—uncertain. He had never comforted anyone like this before. He wasn’t sure he knew how.
Collin stiffened, breath caught, as Linsey burrowed deeper into his embrace. She clung to him like a lifeline, her fingers fisting his shirt as if letting go would send her spiraling back into darkness.
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