Calculated Misery

The rhythmic thump of the ambulance tires against the icy asphalt echoed in Lila's ears. Just an hour prior, en route to the hospital, she had seized a chaotic moment. While the paramedics looked away to check their monitors, she pulled the thick thermal blanket up to her chest. Under its cover, she formed tight fists and drove them into her own lower abdomen. Thud. Thud. She struck herself repeat