"A Fractured Beauty"

The beeping of the machines surrounding Esme's bed was a constant reminder of her fragile state. Joel sat beside her, his eyes fixed on her bruised face, and his heart ached with every beat. Two days had passed since the accident, and Esme was still lying in a hospital bed, her body battered and broken. A broken nose, a bruised jaw, cuts, and purple prints on her neck - the sight of her was a harsh reality check for Joel. He couldn't bear to look at her, the pain and guilt eating away at him. He blamed himself for not being there to protect her, for not being able to prevent the attack. The weight of his responsibility as her partner and protector was crushing him. Esme's eyes flickered open, and she winced in pain. Joel's gaze snapped to hers, and he felt a lump form in his throat. "Hey," he whispered, trying to sound calm. Esme's voice was barely audible. "Joel...I'm so sorry." Joel's face twisted in anguish. "Don't apologize, Esme. You have nothing to apologize for." But Esme continued, her words pouring out in a weak but determined stream. "I'm sorry I wasn't careful enough. I'm sorry I put myself in harm's way. I'm so, so sorry." Joel's eyes welled up with tears as he shook his head. "Stop, Esme. Please, just stop. You're not responsible for this. I don't want to hear it." The nurse entered the room, carrying a tray with pain medication. "Time for your medication, Esme," she said gently. As the nurse administered the medication, Esme's eyelids began to droop. Joel held her hand, feeling a surge of love and protectiveness. He stayed by her side for a few hours, watching her sleep, and willing her to get better. As the hours passed, Joel's emotions began to simmer just below the surface. He was angry, he was hurt, and he was scared. Scared of losing Esme, scared of not being able to protect her. Just as Joel was starting to feel like he was going to crack, Tommy walked into the room. Joel's eyes locked onto his friend's, and he could see the concern etched on his face. "Hey, man," Tommy said softly. "How is she?" Joel's voice was low and menacing. "She's going to be okay. But I found the bastard who did this to her." Tommy's eyes narrowed. "What are you going to do?" Joel's face twisted into a snarl. "I'm going to make him pay. I'm going to make him wish he was never born. I'm going to...I'm going to torture him, Tommy. I'm going to make him suffer for what he did to Esme. I'll make him beg for mercy, but I won't give it to him. I'll make him pay for every bruise, every cut, every moment of pain he caused her." Tommy's expression turned grim. "Joel, I understand. But you can't do anything that'll put you in danger. You have to let the police handle it." Joel's eyes flashed with anger. "The police? They're not going to do shit. They're going to let him walk, and he's going to hurt someone else. I won't let that happen. I'll take care of it, Tommy. I'll make sure he pays for what he did." Tommy placed a hand on Joel's shoulder. "I understand, man. But you have to be careful. You can't let your emotions control you." Joel's gaze dropped to Esme's sleeping form, and his heart swelled with love and determination. He would do whatever it took to protect her, to make her safe. And if that meant taking matters into his own hands, then so be it.