rose inside me and struck out like a lightning bolt. âNo. I want to go home.â
Dr. Kline pushed between us as if he could take back my harsh voice. âSheâs had enough for today.â He yanked on Valexâs arm until he stood. âWe have counsellors available to help her. Letâs let her digest this new information.â
âWeâre just going to leave her here?â
Dr. Kline ushered Valex out of the room.
Part of me wanted him to stay because he reminded me so much of Timmy and Dad, and another part of me couldnât bear to look at him. He was proof my world was gone.
âSheâs due to stay and speak to counsellors while we monitor her condition.â He whispered under his breath, but his voice carried. âWe have a high suicide rate with woken cryosleepers. You may pick her up when sheâs come to terms with her status.â
Valex spoke over his shoulder. âGet some rest. Weâll be back for you when youâre ready.â
I had no words. My entire body was in denial, shock jarring me until nothing made sense.
After the door shut behind them, I couldnât hold back the tears. They came like a tidal wave, soaking the front of my hospital gown. I pounded my fists on the bed, thinking of all the things Iâd missed. Now that I was alive and healthy, I didnât want to go on. What was the point?
A nurse scuttled in and pressed a needle into my arm. The hospital room disappeared around me into the endless oblivion from which I came.
CHAPTER SIX
Alone
I clutched Thunderbolts reins with sweaty palms as he pounded the earth. The sun set in a bright fire bath on the horizon, and I raced to meet it, as if catching the brilliant gold could somehow take back time .
The scent of his mane mingled with the freshly cut grass of our pasture. I drew in a long breath, filling my lungs. We rode so hard that I lost myself in the rhythm of his hoofbeats, as if our bodies melded into one and nothing else existed. Freedom and exhilaration washed over me like spring rain .
âCome on, Thunderbolt, faster!â I nudged my heels in his flanks .
Thunderbolt whinnied and bolted ahead. The rhythm stuttered like a weakening heartbeat. Had he missed a step?
I tumbled forward into a heap of arms and legs. I braced myself to be buried underneath his weight, or trampled by his hooves. The air whooshed over my head as he leapt over me, racing toward the setting sun .
âThunderbolt, wait for me.â
When I scrambled to stand, pain shot down my leg. Somehow, a cast had formed around it, weighing me down. A nurse stood beside me, as if she worked in the meadow every day .
âWeâve got to get you to the recovery room.â She bent down and lifted me onto a rolling bed. All I cared about was Thunderbolt getting away .
I pointed. âOver there. We have to go after him. Thereâs no fence and he could run away.â
âYes, my dear.â She pushed the bed forward .
The grass made it bumpy and slow. âHurry up.â
âThereâs no rush, dear. Youâll be woken in due time.â
Woken? Was I asleep? Was this a dream?
When we got to the edge of the meadow, the sun had set. Twilight hung over me in a cold haze. I shivered, clutching my shoulders. I scanned the horizon and saw a black rump sticking out of a cluster of trees. âOver there.â
As she pushed me forward, her face turned into Momâs perfect fox-like features. A swirl of emotion threatened to crumple me, and I couldnât figure out why I needed her so badly. Wouldnât I see her at dinner?
âMom, we have to get Thunderbolt.â
âYes, Jennifer. Weâre almost there.â
His black hide glistened in the moonlight. She was right .
âThunderbolt, over here.â I clicked my tongue. He always came when I made that noise, because I had treats .
I shoved my hands in my pockets, but they were empty. When had I used all the treats?
I