“You didn’t have to,” he sighed. “Thanks. Lana, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get some sleep.”
“Yeah, yeah, sorry,” she said, standing up. She hesitated for a moment, then added, “If you need anything, anything at all, call me. Day or night, okay?”
“I will. Please shut the door behind you,” he replied, making it clear she shouldn’t linger.
Lana quietly left. Half a minute later, Robert got up and went into the kitchen. He threw all the food she brought into the trash. Suddenly, everything infuriated him. He started smashing things—teapots, cups, plates, glasses—everything went flying against the wall, to the floor, into furniture. He roared like an animal. His eyes filled with rage, and the world around him blurred. The pain was unbearable. He sank to the floor and grabbed his head with both hands.
Her face—her smile—so beautiful, with diamonds around her neck—it wouldn’t leave his mind. And then he howled like a wild beast, cornered and broken. Someone was stroking her cheek. So gently, with a smile and love in their eyes. A woman—like a mother—though it wasn’t her mother’s face. Still, Victoria felt in her soul that this woman was family.
“Mama…” she whispered barely audibly.
“I’m here, sweetheart,” the woman replied softly, running her hand through Victoria’s hair again. “Everything will be all right.”
“Protect me, Mama,” she pleaded, suddenly feeling like a little girl.
“Of course, my darling. No one will ever hurt you again,” the woman promised.
Victoria whispered, “Thank you,” and tears slid slowly from her closed eyes.
When she opened them a little while later, the warmth and safety hadn’t faded. It wasn’t a dream. One eye barely opened, she took in her surroundings. Pink curtains. A table with a white cloth. Flowers. She looked down and slowly lifted a hand to touch her body. She was lying in bed, wrapped in bandages.
Even her head was wrapped. Where was she? A woman approached her, smiling warmly.
“Well, hello there, sweetheart!” she said in the same kind voice Victoria had just heard in her dream. She looked a little different now—but still just as kind.
“Hello,” Victoria said softly.
“How are you feeling? Does anything hurt?”
“No. I feel really good. Thank you,” Victoria replied, realizing she was no longer in pain. “Where am I?”