Modesty is the color of virtue. - Diogenes
"Open your eyes," Vlad commands.
"I'm tired. Please, I just want to sleep."
He takes hold of my left arm. Pain shoots down my arm and across my chest. My stomach lurches and my head swims.
"How is she?" Gaila asks.
"It's not good. Can you apply pressure to her wound?" He shoots a glance over his shoulder into the back seat.
"Only if I let go of his. But he will bleed out if I let go."
"I'm okay. Please help Spence. He saved us."
"I know it hurts. But I have to keep pressure on the wound." Vlad pushes his right hand over my shoulder. The pressure rekindles the hot, searing pain ripping through my chest. Starting the SUV, he veers out onto the pavement.
Darkness fills the window, and my eyes grow heavy. They flutter a few times and then close.
'Do not sleep. We are almost there.'
I force my lids to open.