Ruinous Love Trilogy, #3
Scythe & Sparrow
by Brynne Weaver
Contents
Stranded
Overview
José leaves Rose behind to recover, severing her from the touring circus and deepening her isolation. Dr. Kane evaluates her progress and, with Dr. Chopra, sets discharge for tomorrow. Nurse Naomi recognizes Rose as the Sparrow and quietly asks for help escaping abuse, renewing Rose’s mission despite her injuries.
Summary
On day three in the hospital, Rose reels as José tells her the circus can’t stay and she must remain to recover. He’s arranged her RV at the Prairie Princess Campground, promising she can rejoin when cleared. The separation leaves Rose feeling abandoned and unmoored from her found family.
Dr. Fionn Kane arrives, cool but attentive, and examines Rose’s injured leg, clarifying she has antibiotic beads placed and urging proper rest and nutrition. His guarded questions probe her accident’s circumstances, hinting at suspicion about why she traveled alone and called no ambulance.
Dr. Chopra enters with Nurse Naomi; after reviewing Rose’s stability, they schedule discharge for tomorrow afternoon. Dr. Kane notes he won’t be in, then leaves, their unfinished tension lingering.
When Naomi returns to assist with a bath, she nervously reveals she saw Rose at the circus and recognizes her as the Sparrow. Rose offers a quick tarot reading, drawing the Ace of Cups and the Star—intuition and hope—and Naomi confides about a controlling, abusive man. She asks for help, and Rose, though injured and left behind, commits internally to aid Naomi.
Who Appears
- RoseInjured stunt rider and tarot reader; left behind to recover; prepares for discharge; agrees to help Naomi escape abuse.
- Dr. Fionn KanePhysician who examines Rose, questions her accident details, and helps set care plan before his day off.
- José SilveriaRingmaster and father figure; compassionately insists Rose stay behind and sets up her RV at a campground.
- Nurse NaomiRecognizes Rose as the Sparrow; confides abuse and seeks help; receives a hopeful tarot reading.
- Dr. ChopraSupervising physician who reviews Rose’s status and schedules discharge for the next afternoon.