Zhejiang and Enterprise (Book One)

Confessions (1)

Perhaps sensing that I have no idea what's going on and that I'll need time to process, the older girls somehow manage to disperse the crowd so that we can get some privacy. Despite this, no one tells me what happened and instead, they bring me to a facility where I'm thoroughly checked. Vestal tries her very best to find out what's wrong but all her tests come back all clear. As far as the machinery can tell, I should be perfectly fine and yet I feel as though I've just gone through an experience much worst than death.

Even as I sit on the bed provided, staring at the others, I can't help the blatant wonder in my eyes. After all, I've just spent what feels like the better part of a year fighting these very same faces in a battle to the death. 

Not sure what to make of them being kind to me now, I'm wary and on high alert, jumping at the slightest sound. I may be fine physically but both my body and mind are still in full fight or flight mode. Enterprise is the first to notice this and as she comes over to me, my eyes snap to her, watching her every movement. She smiles when they do, raising her hands in a sign of peace but it does nothing to relieve the tension within my body. 

Enterprise: How are you feeling?

Me: I- I'm...

Mere milliseconds after I start speaking my voice cuts out. Realising that my voice is actually gone, she attempts to call Vestal back who had left the room to us after finishing her tests. As she moves away to get her, however, I instinctively reach forward and tug on her jacket. It's a weak effort but enough to get her attention and she stops, turning to face me once more.

Me: Please...

My voice comes out as more air than actual sound but it's seemingly enough for her to understand what I mean. I can't take them prying anymore. It's uncomfortable at best and I highly doubt they'll find anything new by running the exact same tests over a third time.

Enterprise: Would you like something to drink?

Nodding, I watch as she moves across the room effortlessly. Even though I'm sitting up on the edge of the bed, feet far from touching the ground, I can tell that if I were to attempt to copy her movements it'd only end with me on the floor. My body, for better or worst, has yet to recover and I envy her for her mobility. It gives her so much freedom, meanwhile, I'm stuck here depending on others for the simplest of tasks. 

She soon returns to my side but rather than juice or even water, she returns with soup. I try taking it from her as I say thank you but she brushes my hand aside, sitting down beside me before motioning for me to open my mouth. Not having a reason to protest, I do and before long, she's feeding me. 

Before long, the bowl's empty and I'm satisfied. As I sit, content, Enterprise gets up and walks over to a nearby table to put down the dish. My eyes remain on her the entire way but as she returns, I finally decide that I can't take the suspense anymore. I must know what happened. 

Me: What happened?