We glare at one another, the air between us charged and thick. I hit a nerve with him and sense it. I'm happy for it. I hate this man, because he came back when my Mikael didn't. Not even Captain Mathis' thick biceps and broad chest can make up for him being what he is: the representation of everything I despise about the military and war that took my brother away.
"Step aside, ma'am." The order is gravelly, low and quiet in the resolute tone of a natural leader. It cuts through my anger. His gaze is piercing.
He's not like my brothers and father. He's not backing down.
"Oh, Kitty-Khav, I think I need some … Tylenol." Petr says from behind me, pain in his voice. "Can you get the nurse?"
At once, my attention shifts to my brother. He's seated on the bed, forehead in one hand. I panic at the sight of him in pain. There were so many times I thought we were going to lose him … I'd do anything to keep him from going through the misery he's spent the past four months in.
"Yes, of course!"
Captain Mathis forgotten, I push by him out of the room, intent on finding the nearest nurse I can, even if I have to drag one out of someone else's room.