“That’s why I’m here. Now that you’re up and feeling better, you’ll be sure to eat and drink to feed that little baby of yours.”

I nod, and she gets to work.

“The doctor will release you as soon as he’s here in a few hours. Mr. De La Rosa is anxious to have you home.” She glances at me momentarily when she says that part and finishes taking the needle out of my arm.

I look around the room. “Can I call my sister?” I ask her. “I don’t have my cell phone…” I trail off, and it’s not really a lie. I don’t have my cell phone. Or any cell phone.

“Oh.” She looks around too. “They must have taken the phone out when cleaning. I’ll tell you what,” she says, reaching into her pocket. “Use mine. It’ll be easier than tracking down the one that belongs in here. It’s not one of the fancy ones, but it works just fine.” She hands it to me and cleans up the last of the bandages. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Let me get these things sorted and pick up your lunch.”

“Thank you,” I say, trying not to sound too anxious as I flip her phone open. It’s one of the ones my dad used to have when I was little.

As soon as she’s gone, I dial Abel’s cell phone, hoping he’ll pick up even though he won’t recognize the number. When I hear the click as he does, I breathe a sigh of relief.

“Yes?” he answers short and sharp.

“Abel. It’s me. Ivy.”

“Ivy? What number is this?”

“It doesn’t matter. It’s not mine. I…I’m in the hospital.”

“What?” There’s an urgency in his tone I don’t expect. “What did he do to you?”

I don’t want to tell him about the aspirin. I feel too ashamed. And I can’t stand the thought that he’ll call me weak. I am. I know it already.

“Ivy?”

“I’m pregnant, Abel.” I hold back a sob when the words spill out, my throat tight. Pregnant. I know if I go back to that house, I will be Santiago’s prisoner forever. And my forever may not be that long. Is that the silver lining?

I hear something crash on Abel’s end of the phone.

“Abel? Can you hear me?”

“Yes.”

“I really need your help now. Okay?” I can’t help the tears that flow, and I know he hears them, but I go on before he can say anything. “I can’t go back there. I’m a prisoner. I’ll die. I know I will.”

“I’m assuming you’re at The Society hospital?”

“Yes.”

“Do you know your room number?”