Found in Winter (Sergei Dragunov x OC)

Sentiments

Claudia finally woke up from her long slumber, her eyes were uncomfortable and so was her throat due to its dryness. As her vision started to become normal, her eyes met a white ceiling, and the smell of bleach and alcohol made it to her nose. She lifted herself to sit and found herself in a hospital bed, wearing nothing but a patient gown and her undergarments underneath.

The room she was in was empty and was the only patient inside, it was a private room. She looked at her wounded shoulder to find it bandaged, she also checked her abdomen to find it in the same condition, both wounds being numb. Her head then started to hurt, like her mind was starting to burst. She was in extreme discomfort, despite her wounds had already been tended.

"Water.." She spoke, seeing a water dispenser next to the closed door. She moves her legs to the side of the bed and then plants them on the cold floor. Every step was a pain and she sucked it up, waddling her way to the dispenser whilst holding the IV tube stand. Finally reaching, she took a paper cup that was set at the side on a table and pushed the button to get herself a refreshing drink.

She exhaled from the satisfaction of the liquid and the door beside her opened, a man in military uniform looked at her in surprise, "Miss Ivanov, you're awake!" 

...

Claudia was sitting again on her hospital bed while facing two male soldiers standing in front of her. "How long was I out?" She asks.

"You were unconscious for eighteen hours."

"So, I believe today is the next day." She utters.

"Correct." The man grabbed a nearby seat and sat on it while the other was standing beside him, "We'd like to thank you for saving our most valuable soldier, Sergei Dragunov. Your efforts will not be looked over, in fact, we want to grant you a reward as of our gratitude."

"Oh, you don't have to. Sergei's well-being is enough of a reward. How is he, anyway?" She questions.

"He is still recovering as of the moment, but soon he will be transferred to our base's hospital." The man continued.

"How soon?"

"Tomorrow."

"Tomorrow." Claudia worries. She thought it was too soon for him to leave, her heart sank at the thought of it alone. Their conversation continued, questioning Claudia about what had happened during the past 48 hours. She had provided them truthfully and with all the knowledge that she had of the situation. She too questioned them about what was going to happen with the town and her inn, only to be answered that things were going to be the same as long as word did not spread throughout the town. Meaning, the whole operation is to be in secrecy.

They have also reassured her that the organization, OgreTech has already been completely eradicated. After that, they thanked her cooperation and left. Claudia was once again in her room, trying to process everything when she was already reassured, but most of all her feelings had engulfed her whole mind.

Claudia wished to see Sergei, and she could not be comforted with mere words that he was right. Other than his well-being, Claudia just wanted to see Sergei's face, her desire for his presence had started to slowly eat her inside. She wanted to see him now. She gripped on her IV tube and pulled it quickly away from her pierced skin, a slight tingle of pain was felt but she did not mind it at all.

She approached the door slowly, with her hand resting on her abdomen, the other free hand reached for the doorknob and turned it to open. As she opens it, she peeks her head to look around her surroundings. The hallway was empty, and a nurse had just passed through a different door. This was her moment to exit.