"I can't leave him," I said, my eyes welling up with tears as I sat in a folding chair beside Dakota's hospital bed. "Not after what happened."
Dad placed his hand gently on my shoulder and then leaned in close. "Jessie Girl, you have to... if you want to save him."
My head snapped up, looking into his eyes. "Everyone's going to be there tonight... including Michelle's parents. Between all of us, we should be able to come up with a plan. And the sooner we can save him, the better. I hate to say this, but he may be running out of time."
I nodded, understanding. "Give me a minute and I'll be right there."
Dad nodded, giving me a weak smile. "I'll be right over here."
Then I rose from my seat and stood by Dakota's bed. "Dakota, stay with us. Hold on for as long as you can. We're trying to save you. Just don't give up." Then I leaned over and gently kissed his lips. "Come back to me."
