So... to condense. The ribs were, indeed, broken. George couldn't determine if my lung was only scratched or punctured. It was dangerous, he said. Get her out of here, he said.By then i was in and out. All i could think of was the pain. When it wasn't the pain, it was how there was no air in the air. Finally i realized John was snapping his fingers in front of my face."Ahh. There you are. Okay kid, listen. I'm going to take you to the hospital. I found you wondering on the side of the road. I thought you may have been in a car accident. I will leave you there."i think he went on talking. i couldn't concentrate any longer. Then he was lightly smacking my face."Come on, kid. Come on. You have to hold on. I cannot take you to the hospital if you don't know what to do. Come on!"The unaccustomed sound of desperation and fear in his voice grabbed my attention for a moment."If they put you in the hospital, give them your real name. ONLY if they put you in the hospital. Pretend confusion until you are actually in a hospital room. Got it?"He emphasized this question with a little shake. If i had had breath i would have screamed. Instead i nodded frantically. No names, not a fucking name... my name is Pussywillow, just for fuck's sake, don't do that again! This thought must have been clearly readable, because he nodded and continued."If you aren't put in the hospital... sneak out. Go to the parking garage and call me. I will come get you."His fingers tightened on my shoulder and i nodded again."Well, alright then. I don't think this is the best fucking plan... but your goddamn shirt is covered in blood, I don't have time to think of another.""Remember, you are confused. You don't remember. You don't know. You hit your head."With that he hit me hard above my right eye. And, i knew no more for a while.
