Ticking Clock - Part 4

KALLE

"Elia!" Gahrye gasped.

The poor woman shivered on all fours on the carpet at the end of her bed and Kalle's breath stopped. She looked terrible. She was pale. There were dark circles under her eyes. Her arms were too thin, but her stomach… her stomach was very round. 

"Can't… hold it," she said through gritted teeth. "You have to… have to take me… I'll try to help, but… can't stop sh-shift—"

"Can you hear me when you're shifted?!" Gahrye gasped, rushing to her and taking one of her hands. A dart of pain sliced through Kalle's chest. Of course he had to speak with her. He had to leave Kalle to help Elia—she knew that. But this moment… right now? He'd thrown himself away from her without a thought when… when they might not get another moment together.