The Breaking Wheel

Chapter 43: Injured Again

Dr. Collingwood found herself in the infirmary again, this time with her entire body in pain. In real life. Compared to getting iron maiden'd inside a Halloween costume, however, it was bearable. She slowly, albeit painfully, sat up.

Lawrence rushed into her room, and grabbed her in a tight hug when he saw her. She flinched when she realized he was there.

"Oh, thank God you're alright!" he sobbed.

Pain shot through her torso. "Ow, Lawrence, careful!"

"S-Sorry." He quickly let go and stepped back. "D-Did I hurt you?"

"I'm okay."

He stood up and turned to leave, but she grabbed his hand. When he turned back, she had a pleading look on her face.

"Alright, I'll stay." He pulled up a chair and sat down next to her. "What's wrong? You look upset."

"I..." She buried her head in her hands. "I should've told you what happened to me as soon as I could."

"What?"

She looked up at him. "I was bitten by SCP-6134-3 and tortured. That was why I was in a coma for... how long?"

Lawrence turned away, chewing on his lip. "A whole year."

"One year? Only one year?"

"What do you mean 'only'?"

"That snake has complete control in the nightmare. There were multiple tortures that involved screwing with my perception of time. I can't tell if I stuck in there for centuries or only minutes."

"Wait... you were conscious?"

Dr. Collingwood gulped. "I'd... rather not talk about it."

"Alright then. Just don't ever scare me like that again, okay?" Lawrence reached out and ruffled her hair.

"I... I'll try. Just, please, stay away from SCP-6134-3."

"I'll try, but if my commander tells me to do something with it, I don't have a choice."

"I know, just don't let the snake bite you. I'd go through Hell and back all over again, if it meant you wouldn't have to suffer for it."