Seventy-One

There’s a knock at the door, and in the window I see Geoffrey peeking through the glass. I wave him in, dabbing at my mouth with my napkin.

I’ve finished my dinner. My stomach is full, and I’ve never felt more satisfied in my life. And Geoffrey is excited to see me, his expression earnest.

“It’s so good to see you!” He beams. “I had to sneak past the nurses’ desk because they wouldn’t let me in—wow, what is that?” he asks, looking at the smear of red left behind on my plate. “That looks good.” He frowns at the glass I’m holding. “You’re drinking wine? Is that okay?”

“It’s cranberry juice.”

“Oh. Right.” He takes a step closer, giving my shoulder a squeeze. I move his hand away. “I’m so glad you called me. I was trying to visit, but they told me I wasn’t allowed. I really wanted to see you, Ji-won. Promise.”

“I believe you. Before we talk, can you help me clear some of this away? I want to get comfortable.” I move stiffly, gesturing toward the tray and dishes on my lap. “Can you take this and move it over there? Oh, and can you take the knife?” He grabs it by the handle.

I watch him move it all aside. He scurries back to me and sits down in the chair. “Listen, I’m so glad you called. It’s been so crazy. The police were questioning me about everything that happened, and they were skeptical when I told them I helped you.” He grabs my hand. I wait a beat before shrugging out of his grasp. “I’m a nice guy, Ji-won. Like I’ve been telling you. You just have to give me a chance. Plus,” he says, puffing out his chest. “You owe me, Ji-won. I saved you from that guy.”

“You did.” I nod. “But still . . . I’ve been so worried.” I lower my voice, casting my gaze downward.

“Why? Worried about what?”

I gesture toward the door in the wall. “Because of George. He’s over there. I have nightmares about what he did to me.” I let out a choked sob, touching my neck.

“What? ” Geoffrey stands up, outraged. “You’re joking. He’s in the room next door? Why are they letting him stay here? After everything he did?”

“It’s awful. I can’t sleep at night, knowing he’s so close.” I bite my lip and pretend to fight back tears.

“No.” Geoffrey shakes his head. “This isn’t okay.” He storms over to the adjoining door, and as he wrenches it open, I slide my hand down to the help button next to my bed.

From next door, I hear a loud gasp. I can’t see Geoffrey, but I know that he is looking at George’s lifeless body, at the holes in his head. I know Geoffrey is shaking and trembling, trying to make sense of the horror he’s seeing. But he won’t have time. I’ve already started screaming.