When you tell the world you're mine

Part II, Chapter II: It's a new dawn, it's a new day

Three days had come and gone and Carol was slowly but surely surrendering herself to the pain she was feeling until it reached the point of numbing all of her senses. She had to undergo a curettage as she wasn't properly expelling what needed to be expelled. The procedure by itself was fast and quick; but lost in the numbness as she was, she didn't even register what really was happening and before she knew it, she was back in the room, staring at the clock.

She was going to be released today, she heard one of the nurses say. She didn't move, didn't get changed, didn't look forward to going home. She simply stayed there.

Agnes and Harry entered the room, trying again to get her to talk and failing. Agnes then gave Harry all recommendations, prescriptions and advice for Carol to follow so she could heal properly. At least physically, as she knew that she would be emotionally scarred forever.

Harry tried to get Carol to change clothes, but she refused. Sighing, he simply put a coat over her hospital gown, leaving it unbuttoned and strolled her wheelchair until they were on the parking lot. He didn't have any protection officer with him this morning, as he knew they would make things even more difficult than it already was.

He strolled her to the passenger seat, thanked Agnes for all the help she gave them and hugged her saying he understood - and was thankful for - she had done everything she could.

He hopped on the driver seat and looked at Carol, trying to recognise in her the woman he loved so dearly. She had detached herself from everything and everyone, and he was terrified that she was lost. 

He drove carefully to Kensington – he knew she'd prefer to go to her place, but since she wasn't protesting or actively requesting to be driven there, then he'd keep her where he could watch her and – God forbid – stop her should she attempt to do anything extreme.

She got out of the car without his help as soon he killed the engine and went straight to the front door, testing the door handle and opening it once she saw it was unlocked and leaving it open after she entered his house. He soon followed her and caught a glimpse of her body climbing the stairs to the second floor.

He closed the door, picked up the coat she had ditched on the floor and hanged it in the closet before following her. He found her on the guest bedroom, laying under the covers. She had both hands on her lap and her head turned when she heard the door opening.

"Are you sure you want to stay in this room? Mine's better." he offered and she simply shook her head. "Do you want some company?"

"No." she replied looking him in the eyes.

"Ok, I will give you some space and will be in my room. I will be back when it's time for your meds." he said looking at her and realizing she wasn't going to change her mind. "You know where to find anything you need to shower and change, but let me know if you need anything else."

Without waiting for a reply he knew wouldn't come, he closed the door and sighed heavily, closing his eyes and letting his tears fall. He went into his room, taking off his shoes and jumper before laying on his bed.

Later that day he took a tray with a homemade soup Gerard had prepared for her, together with all the pills she had to take. Carol was exactly in the same position as she was when he had left the room hours before. He placed the tray on the nightstand beside her.

"I'm not hungry." she said.

"You need to eat." he shot back.

"I don't want to." she defied him.

"We don't always get what we want. You need to eat to be able to hold all these pills in. You need strength." Harry said firmly, looking at her. "After you eat, you can take a shower and dress a pair of pyjamas."