Damian POV

Almost two weeks later, I was still totally shocked by the events. The images haunted me so much that I avoided sleep as much as I could. Because as soon as I closed my eyes it was all back... the loud screams, the blood and especially what Will's last words had been.

It was hard for me to realize that he was really gone. Torn from life from one second to the next. It was so unfair.

Today was the funeral. And just the thought of it made me shiver. I didn't want to go, but then... I had to. I owed it to my friend to say goodbye to him.

I wondered if Savannah would even be able to attend. For all I knew, her injuries were serious, but at least no longer life-threatening. I wanted to visit her once. But her family wouldn't let anyone see her. They wanted to avoid as much stress as possible. From what they told me, she had a broken arm, several broken ribs, a concussion and many other wounds, mostly cuts. But no one said a word about the baby. And apparently there had been a nasty uproar from Will's family. 

That was really unbelievable. I mean, yes, they had lost their son. But there was really no need to take it out on Savannah. His death hit her just as hard. Even more so, if you ask me. And she wasn't to blame. If she had the chance, I'm sure she'd do anything to turn back time.

Sighing, I washed my hands because I should start getting ready. I looked down at my hands. For a second, I could have sworn I saw the blood on them again. Closing my eyes, I shook my head to banish the image.

*****

The funeral was horrible. As to be expected when a young man was taken from life so unexpectedly. The hysterical crying of Will's mother echoed through the cemetery. 

I stood there, speechless. My throat clenched shut. I blinked away the tears before looking around, because I could hardly bear the sight of the coffin. It was like someone was plunging a knife into my side.

Finally, I caught sight of her. Savannah, surrounded by her family who were supporting her as best they could. She was pale and obviously in pain. It seemed like she could barely hold herself up.

*****

Savannah POV

How had it all happened? This was not how I had imagined my life to be. What kind of god dared to be so cruel to me? Questions I wanted answers to, but would never get them.  

Everything seemed to be in a fog. The painkillers contributed a lot to this. But it was probably also my brain that was still trying to protect me. If everyone else had had their way, I shouldn't be here. The doctors, my family... Everyone had said it would be too exhausting.

But I had to be here! It was me who had lost her husband and so much more. And I had promised to always be by his side. Even if I hadn't envisioned it that way. My love... Just torn from my side. Pain coursed through me, coupled with the despair of how I could go on living without Will. Could I even do that? Why had God spared me? Why couldn't I lie by his side now?

Tears blurred my eyes and I staggered on weak legs. The evil eyes of my family-in-law dug into me like daggers. I didn't blame them for blaming me. I blamed myself.

Lucy kept staring at me. I knew she never really liked me, but now she was radiating pure hatred.

When it finally came to the end, I felt another gaze on me. But it wasn't hateful, it was filled with sadness and compassion. Damian looked at me and I immediately saw him fighting back tears.

"We should get you back to the hospital now, sweetheart," Dad murmured quietly as the crowd slowly parted.

I didn't answer. Instead, I nodded weakly. I just didn't have the strength.

"Savannah..." I heard then.

"Damian... I-" I began before I broke down crying again.

Mom carefully pulled me into her arms. But her embrace hurt. Everything about my body hurt. But so little had to do with the injuries.

"I'm so sorry, Savvy... If I'd been quicker... If I could have gotten him out of there..." Damian said as he came closer to us.

"It's not your fault... You... you tried..." I cried.

"Too little, too late..." he mumbled and then swallowed.

"You did what he wanted. You got me out of it." I whispered as I looked up at him.

"You heard that?" he asked quietly.

I could only nod. Will's soft words still rang in my ears as if he was standing next to me, whispering them to me. Promise... Promise...

"What about... you know?" he wanted to know after a few seconds of silence.

"How did you know?" I asked instead of answering.

"Will told me just before the ceremony." Damian whispered.

"Of course..." I sniffled as a new wave threatened to overwhelm me.

"Well?" he pressed gently.

All I could manage was to shake my head. That was all it took to throw me back into the valley of tears, grief and despair. Sobs shook me so violently that I hardly realized that it wasn't just my parents who were holding me up at that moment.