Meredith's sister

4

Mia's POV

I woke up and took a long, hot shower, trying to ignore the pain radiating from the bruises that still covered my body. When I stepped out, I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. My skin was mottled with deep purples and blues, the marks a painful reminder of everything I had endured. I took a shaky breath, pulled on my clothes, and went downstairs, where I found Meredith making breakfast.

"Sit," she said, flipping a pancake onto a plate.

"I don't want to be late," I replied, already reaching for my car keys.

"Everyone is still asleep. Come on, sit and eat breakfast calmly," Meredith insisted.

"I'm older than you. You can't stop me."

"Yes, I can."

"Okay, watch me," I challenged, grabbing my keys and walking out the door before she could protest further.

I drove to the hospital but couldn't bring myself to go inside. Instead, I sat on a bench outside, staring blankly at the entrance. A few moments later, I saw Meredith, Izzie, George, and Cristina approaching. Meredith's eyes locked onto mine, full of concern.

"Mia?" Izzie said gently.

"You guys go. I don't want you to be late. I'll come in soon," I murmured, blinking away tears. They hesitated but eventually nodded and went inside.

A little while later, Callie appeared. When she saw me sitting alone, she walked over and sat beside me.

"Mia, why aren't you inside? You're going to be late," she asked.

I hesitated. "There's just something... I'm scared to go in."

Callie reached for my hand and squeezed it. "Then let's go in together."

I looked at her, comforted by the sincerity in her eyes, and nodded. "Okay."

Together, we walked inside, and I busied myself with work. When lunchtime arrived, Callie and I sat together in the cafeteria.

"So, we're friends?" Callie asked with a small smile.

"Yes. At least, I think so," I replied, and she chuckled.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mike approaching. My entire body tensed.

"Mia, can I talk to you?" he asked. I glanced at Callie, and she instantly picked up on my discomfort.

"Now!" Mike snapped, grabbing my arm tightly. Pain shot through me, and I winced.

"Hey, how about you see her later? Then you'll have more time because right now, I'm talking to her," Callie interjected, her tone sharp.

Mike held her gaze before finally letting go. "Fine," he muttered, walking away.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. Callie's expression darkened as she studied me. "Mia, has he ever... hurt you?"

I looked down, unable to answer.

"Come with me, please," Callie said, standing up. I hesitated before nodding and following her.

She led me into the bathroom, locking the stall door behind us. "Take your scrubs off."

Tears welled in my eyes as I shook my head. "Please... I won't judge," she whispered.

"I can't," I choked out.

"I won't tell anyone, but please, just show me."

Swallowing hard, I slowly peeled off my scrubs and the long-sleeved shirt underneath, leaving me in my sports bra and pants. Callie gasped. My torso was littered with bruises and healing cuts.