"No. You need to rest yourself. You're tired and there isn't anything we can do. I'm sorry. My mind is going on a loop and I can't figure out what I want or even what I need, but I know when you're here...when you're around me I get better. My body hurts and I want to give you affection you need. I know you're hurting like I am. I know you're blaming yourself in the same ways that I'm blaming myself. I know all this, but looking at you I can't help thinking I made the write choice because in my heart all I want is to see you safe. You tried to give yourself up. I know you hate me for not allowing it. I knew what they would do and when she jumped up claiming to be you...I went with it," Ezra said taking his shirt off completely and laying back so he could breath better. 

He watched her face contort into sadness and helplessness. She needed him to be stronger than he was, but after everything that kept happening he was at his limit. He wanted his parents. They always knew how to handle situations, but they were off somewhere else. He wanted a comforting touch, but he felt like he didn't deserve it. He deserved the pain he was feeling, mentally and psychically. He pushed down on his chest and a small cry escaped his lips. He moved his fingers down his chest where his ribs were and most of the bruising and pushed down. He coughed a bit and a few drops of blood made its way to his lips and down his chin. He pushed again, harder this time watching Marta to see if she would react.

He coughed again more blood. His face had grown pale at the taste of it in his mouth and began to kick his legs like a child throwing a tantrum. "Why do you stay when it's so dangerous. I can't even protect you in the state I'm in. Today was the only time I felt like I truly did you any good. I don't regret saving you, I regret putting you in this position. I should have let you walk away that day one month ago and let you cry out from the words I spoke in the shop. I shouldn't have gone after you. If I had just stayed away you'd be at your home with your parents ignorant to the world and happy. I will never get to see you happy and I think that's what pains me most," Ezra said coughing once more. He gave her a forced smile, but his eyes still held the angst he was feeling deep inside.

His teeth were bloody and all he wanted to do was reach out and touch her, but he didn't deserve the touch of love he reminded himself. He deserved to feel alone.