Estrella: A Story About a Fairy

Chapter 9 - Stained Hands

Estrella woke up to a blinding bright light. Confused, she sat herself up to take a look at her surroundings. The room she was currently in did not look familiar in the slightest. Estrella found herself sitting on top of a completely white and small bed that was holding itself up relatively high. The room was very small. About as small as her fairy room but it was also completely white. The floors, the ceiling, and even the walls. Scattered across this room sat a couple of brown cabinets housing a sink below them, drawers, and a blue chair that sat to the left of her bed. On the right of her bed, to Estrella's surprise, there was a man sitting in a black office chair. She didn't recognize this man. He was middle-aged, pale, had short messy brown hair, and wore glasses. He also wore a long white button-up coat that went all the way down to his knees. Overall, this man also looked very tall and skinny.

Estrella observed him. He seemed to be writing a bunch of papers on his desk, though, it didn't take long for him to realize that Estrella woke up. He stopped writing and turned towards her with a little shocked expression. "Ah! You're finally awake." He started. The man then spun his chair towards her and expressed a light smile. "I'm sure you might be very confused and have a lot of questions so let me tell you everything that happened." He said casually. "You passed out back at the factory which I'm sure you remember. After you passed out, all of the fairies were dismissed and went back to their rooms. Silver also got me, a doctor, to take you to the infirmary. Ever since then, you have been sleeping for an entire day." He informed.

Estrella's eyes squinted. "Silver...did that? Are you completely sure?"

"What? You don't think he's that type of person?" The doctor asked her curiously.

Estrella lowered her head. "Not at all." She said in confusion. "Besides, the last thing I'd expect is for humans to help out fairies."

"Well, don't think I'm taking care of you just so I can help you out." He told her carefully. "I am simply a doctor who is interested in studying the health of fairies whether it be mentally or physically. Not only does it help you but it helps my curiosity too! It's a win-win situation, don't you think?"

"I....guess."

"Anyways," The doctor continued. "My name is Doctor Steven and I will be performing an exam on you today." He said as he properly introduced himself.

"But I never asked for an exam!" Estrella suddenly hollered at him. "I thank you for rescuing me but I have no need for a health check."

"It's not your decision to make." Doctor Steven shot back. "All fairies who have been severely injured mentally or physically are required for a health check. Don't worry though, Estrella. It won't be that long. I just have some questions to ask you."

She gave up. "Fine..."

"Now," He started. "First I shall perform a mental health check on you. All you have to do is answer my questions honestly. If you don't know then it's okay to say you don't know, alright?"

"Okay." Estrella conferred.

"First question." Doctor Steven started getting his pen and paper out. "How much sleep have you gotten recently?"

"Enough."

"How often do you eat?"

"I don't keep track anymore."

"Have you been feeling deeply sad or hopeless recently?"

"I guess."

"Why have you been feeling sad?"

"....I don't want to answer that."

Doctor Steven stared at Estrella few moments but said nothing back. He flipped his pages and continued writing. "Have you been feeling guilt or remorse?"