Daniel was overcome with helplessness and his gut wrenched, just as it had that day he’d sat in the ER bay with Sheila. Waiting. Powerless. Waiting to hear what he had already known was true. He shook his head, told himself that this was Nilay, not Sara, but it made no difference to his heart.

He willed himself to go and comfort Annika, to talk to her father. To at least go get them some coffee, mundane though that may be. But he was frozen to his spot. Almost paralyzed by the fear of losing Nilay. Nothing he did would be enough. It was all futile. What would happen would happen.

Suddenly it was clear. Daniel knew what he had to do. He met Annika’s eye.

“Daniel.” Annika came to his side, wrapping her arm in his so their bodies touched. “If it hadn’t been for your quick thinking, we wouldn’t have the hope we have now.”

He wanted nothing more than to sink into her touch, but all he could think about were all the ways that Nilay could die. All the ways that things could go wrong. All the ways his heart would shatter again.

He faced Annika. This woman whom he loved with every cell in his body. Of this there was no doubt. But he was not what was best for her. Not by a long shot.

“Daniel? Are you okay? What’s wrong?” His decision must have shown on his face, because concern replaced the relief in her voice.

Mr. Mehta slowed his pace and went to sit by his wife once more. He held her hand and forced a smile onto his face. She leaned against his shoulder.

Daniel took Annika and walked a short distance away from them. “Look at me.” Brown eyes flecked with worry. He should be helping her get through this. She was brave enough to be with him when her family didn’t approve. He should be telling her that everything would be okay.

Annika shouldn’t be worried about him; she should be thinking about her brother and parents.

He tried to take her hands in his, but they shook uncontrollably. Instead, Annika covered his hands with hers, holding them steady. “It’s okay, Daniel. Everything will be fine.”

His heart raced and his stomach twisted with dread. She deserved far better than what he could offer. She needed what her parents had. She needed someone strong enough to lean on. He broke free of her hands and ran a shaky hand through his hair.

“What’s going on?”

He shook his head, returning his gaze to her parents. “I can’t do this.”

She furrowed her brow. “Do what?”