Chapter 24: No one said it would be easy

NATE

I knew something was wrong the minute I opened my eyes that Friday morning.

Hot. Hurting. Can't breathe.

My eyes wouldn't stay open, no matter how hard I fought. I'd just let them drift shut again when I heard my mother's voice, coming as though she was a long way away. She was saying my name, the worry in her voice growing each time she spoke.

Nate. Nate, come on, it's time to ...Nate? Baby? Oh, God ...Nate, come on, honey, wake up.

Just before I slid into oblivion, I remembered that I was supposed to ride to school with Quinn today. She'd texted me late last night, saying she had the car and asking if I wanted a lift.

Quinn. Yes, I want ...Quinn.

The tightness in my chest was getting too much to bear, and I let go of my tentative grip on awareness. The last thread of consciousness that slipped through my fingers was her name.

Quinn.

***

QUINN