Marta's leg bounced nervously as she sat in the waiting room. It had been nearly four hours since they had arrived at the hospital. Marta didn't know what was happening. She didn't know if Ezra was still alive, or if was going to be ok. She was completely in the dark and she hated it. But her place was out here. She didn't deserve to be in there, comforting and helping Ezra. He was here before of her. The guilt was tearing her up inside. Why didn't she just follow through with breaking up with him? He would have walked away before Oscar showed up and none of this would ever happen. 

Marta didn't care how many people were staring at her, but she was definitely a sight to see. She had tear stains on her cheeks, the tears had dried up at this point. Her eyes were completely bloodshot, and there was still a blood stain on her dress. Her hands were buried in her hair, as she rested her elbows on her knees, her whole body shaking from her leg bouncing. She could barely remember how to breath, but she managed enough. The images of watching Oscar beat up the man she loved were replaying over and over again in her head. How could she ever forgive herself? How could Ezra ever forgive her? 

That is when Marta realized, she may never see Ezra again. There was no doubt his parents would ban her from ever seeing him again. But the question is, did Ezra want to see her? He knew all these things were going to happen, he knew she would be the death of him. But maybe he had hoped it wouldn't happen, but now that it has, is she really worth anymore? Just a few hours ago he begged her not to leave, and she didn't, but now Marta truly believed he would kick her to the curb. That is if he was even still alive... she hadn't a clue.

As Marta sat there, she suddenly heard her name. Looking up, she saw Ezra walking towards her. She gasped when she saw what condition he was in. His face was swollen around his nose and eyes, and he was hunched over walking with a crutch. She could see how much pain he was in. She stood and just as she started over, she noticed Ezra stumbled. Her instincts were to reach out to catch him, but his father beat her too it. Marta frowned; she was useless. She walked over, wanting to touch Ezra, to make sure he was real, but she didn't dare, not in front of his parents. She felt new fears forming in her eyes, but didn't let them fall. She just wanted to take him away and escape somewhere where no harm could ever come to him again. But she didn't have the right. 

Marta dug her nails in her palms, to keep herself from reaching out for him, but she gave him a gently smile and said, "I am so sorry Ezra."

But before he had time to answer, his parents were ushering him out into the hallway and towards the bus stop. Marta walked a few steps behind them, unsure if she should follow. Marta assumed she would not be ever allowed near him, but when the bus arrived, Ezra's mother turned to her, "Come now dear. We must get him home."

So together, they rode back into the center of the Jewish neighborhood. Marta was forced to sit across the aisle on the bus, since Ezra's parents both flanked his sides and held him close to keep the shaking bus from making it more painful. Once they arrived at the bakery, Abe helped Ezra up the stairs and straight into the bedroom. Marta followed, but always stayed a few steps back. She wanted to be the one to help him, but it wasn't her place or privilege. The only reason Ezra was in this condition was because of her. As Abe was in the bedroom with his father, who was helping him wash up and put on clean clothes, Ezra's mother was in the kitchen preparing dinner. Marta just sat on the couch, feeling completely helpless. She offered to help Ezra's mom, but she said it wasn't necessary, so she just sat there waiting, wondering what was going to happen next.