Chapter 11: Fractured

The sound of sirens grew louder, and Joel's grip on Esme's head tightened as if he could physically hold her together. He felt a wave of panic wash over him as he scanned her face, searching for any sign of life. Her eyes were closed, and her skin was deathly pale. A faint bruise was forming on her cheekbone, and a cut above her eyebrow oozed a small trickle of blood. As he held her, Joel's mind replayed the events leading up to this moment. He had been sitting in Tommy's office, oblivious to the horror that was unfolding just a few blocks away. Esme, his vibrant and strong Esme, was lying on the ground, broken and vulnerable. The stranger who had called 911 stood frozen, his eyes fixed on Joel as he cradled Esme's head. Joel's gaze flicked up to meet the stranger's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. The stranger's face was etched with a mix of horror and guilt, and Joel's anger and grief swirled, threatening to consume him. The police cars screeched to a halt, and officers rushed towards them. One of the officers, a woman with a kind face, knelt beside Joel. "Sir, we need to take care of her," she said gently. Joel hesitated, his grip on Esme's head tightening. "No, don't move her," he whispered. The officer nodded. "We'll take care of her, I promise. But we need to get her to the hospital." As the officers carefully lifted Esme onto a stretcher, Joel leapt to his feet, his eyes never leaving her face. He followed the stretcher as they rushed her into the ambulance. The stranger who had called 911 stopped Joel as he was about to get into the ambulance. "Sir, wait," the stranger said, his voice shaking. "I need to tell you something." Joel turned, his eyes narrowing. "What is it?" The stranger took a deep breath. "I saw the guy who attacked her. He was tall, with dark hair. He ran off that way." The stranger pointed down the alley. Joel's eyes locked onto the alley, and a fierce determination burned within him. He would find the man who had done this to Esme, and he would make him pay. As the ambulance pulled away, Joel leapt into his car, his mind racing with thoughts of revenge and protection. He would do everything in his power to keep Esme safe, to make her whole again. The drive to the hospital was a blur, his mind consumed by visions of Esme's broken body and the monster who had done this to her. When he arrived at the hospital, Joel rushed to the emergency room, his heart pounding in his chest. He spotted a doctor standing in the hallway, a concerned look on his face. "Joel, I'm Dr. Lee," the doctor said, extending his hand. "We've been working on Esme. She's...she's going to be okay." Joel's breath caught in his throat as he exhaled a prayer of thanks. "What happened to her?" he asked, his voice shaking. The doctor's expression turned grim. "She suffered a severe concussion, and we found evidence of physical trauma. But we're doing everything we can to help her recover." Joel's eyes burned with tears as he nodded, his mind reeling with emotion. He would stay by Esme's side, holding her hand, and whispering words of comfort until she woke up. And when she did, he would be there to help her heal, to help her find her strength again. As he entered Esme's room, Joel's eyes landed on her pale face, and his heart ached with love and grief. He took her hand in his, feeling a surge of determination. He would get through this, and he would help Esme heal, no matter what it took.