Patch's POV

When I came to, I had a wicked headache. I couldn't even remember where I was…or what I was doing. I was ..I was with…

Nora.

Her name sent a shock through my entire body. I sat up frantically looking for her. Shit. Where was she? Where was Chauncey?

Then I saw her.

She was falling. Nora, my angel, was falling to her death from the school rafters. I watched the scene unfold in front of me as if in slow motion.

Nora tears streaming down her face.

Eyes closed, a small smile on her face.

And then the sickening thud as she hits the floor.

No.

That's all I can think in this moment. Not Nora.. not her. I start crawling over to her trying to control the loud, gut wrenching sobs coming out of me. When I reached her she wasn't moving. I checked her neck and wrists for any pulse. Nothing . I brushed the back of my hand against her cheek, wiping away her tears. Tracing the shape of her lips..trying to get a response from Nora's lifeless body. I bury my face in the crook of neck, letting my sobs shake my shoulders in the quiet gymnasium. I inhale her scent letting her sweet aroma soothe the burning ache in my chest. She was gone…I can't believe I lost her…after everything we'd been through..after all I did to keep her safe…I failed her. It was too much to bear.

Then she coughed.