NATE
I'd had some killer headaches in my day, thanks to the side effects of medication and other treatments, but this one was a definite contender for the worst one. I lay in my hospital bed, staring at the ceiling tiles and waiting for the dose of painkiller I'd just been given to take effect.
"Nate."
Quinn's voice was soft and questioning; she wasn't sure if I were truly awake or not. I steeled myself against the pain and turned my head just a little to track her movement toward me.
"I'm awake." My voice sounded faraway and kind of slurred. Yeah, maybe those meds were kicking in, after all.
"My mom and I are going to leave in just a minute. Is there anything ...do you need anything before I go?"
I managed a smile. "Nah, I'm good." My lips felt dry and numb, and I licked them, won
