𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡 | 𝟏𝟖+

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧

tw: mentions of sexual assault + rape (nothing graphic)

My eyes open to absolute white. It takes a second for my vision to adjust. In the meantime, I hear the constant beep of a monitor, giving me even more of a headache. The walls are painted a faint blue and the curtains beside me are closed. I look down to see a semi-warm comforter covering my body. Pulling my arm out from under, I find an IV attached to one of them. What the fuck even happened last night?

I try sitting up in my bed, but my muscles are weak, barely being to hold myself up. On the bedside stand, there's a plastic cup of water. I reach for it and slowly take a slip. There's a knock on my door once I put my cup back down on the table.

"Camila?"

"Yes," I say as loud as I can. It's still too quiet for anyone outside the door to hear. The door opens and I see a nurse peeking in.

"You're awake," she gives me a smile. "I need to check your vitals. If you can give me your left arm that would be great."

I oblige and stay as still as possible when the cuff tightens around my arm. "Why am I here? What happened?" I ask her.

"Just know it's normal to not remember. The doctor should be in here shortly to explain everything to you. If you have any questions, just ask her. Okay?" She assures. I'm still left confused by her vague answer. "Hey, I know you're confused right now, but you're okay. There is nothing to worry about regarding your physical health," she smiles. I nod as she walks out with her clipboard.

I hear another knock on the door a few minutes later, probably from the doctor. I answer louder than last time and she walks in. "How are you feeling, Camila?"

"Weak. It feels like someone physically sucked all the energy out of me."

"It's normal to feel that way. That's why you have an IV attached to you."

"So, what happened?"

"First tell me what you can recall if you remember anything at all."

I think back to getting ready for a party with Mia. Mia didn't feel well because of her period, so I decided to go out with Nick. We had our nonsensical period conversation before we stepped inside the frat house.

"I went to a party," I start. The doctor nods and starts to take notes. "I was with Nick. He was ignoring me for the rest of the night because he was hanging out with his friends. I was mad at him so I had one drink," I pause trying to recall what happened after. There are a few hazy two-second clips playing in my head, but it's difficult to put them in order.

"Take your time," the doctor comforts.

"I knew something was wrong after the first several minutes, so I ran to Nick. I remember yelling at him because he wasn't listening. The last thing I remember is someone carrying me out of the party. I could feel them running because I was slung over their shoulder."

"Do you know who was carrying you?" She asks.

I think back to the time before I had the drink. What did I actually do all by myself at the party? Oh, I went to the bathroom and debated on whether I should talk to the two girls standing ahead of me in line. When I went back downstairs and saw Alex, as usual, and went outside to 'bother' Nick. Oh, wait.

"I think it might've been Alex." I notice the doctor's face relax as soon as I say his name.

"Good. So, we found Rohypnol in your system as well as alcohol. You may know them as 'roofies'. They can have devastating effects when they are consumed together." Fuck. How could I be so stupid to take that drink? I literally know better than this. "Luckily, you noticed the signs early and reached out for help as soon as possible."