Out of Commission

Bizarrely, Douglas had gotten what he wanted, in the most tragic way possible. Jamaal was **** at the hospital. They'd had to do surgery on him to relieve the pressure in his brain from a shot that glanced off his skull. More worrying was the shot lodged in his back. It was unclear whether he'd walk again, or be partially paralyzed.

Elizabeth was inconsolable. For in that moment, Jamaal and Douglas had realized their core natures. Jamaal had realized danger was imminent, and sacrificed his body for the woman he loved. And she'd be dead without his actions. Douglas, on the other hand, had been heedless of the damage, and had done nothing to protect her. One man was dependable in that moment, and one wasn't.

Elizabeth and Douglas ensured that Jamaal had the best medical care that could be provided, and Elizabeth slept most nights next to the comatose Jamaal. The respect that she had for Douglas, and for their marriage, had eroded, and her loyalty to Jamaal was almost complete. She fell asleep, her belly now large with Douglas's baby, her hand holding Jamaal's as she slept on a cheap hospital cot.