"Good-morning Athena. How are you feeling?" The doctor asked me as soon as my eyes shot open.
"Fine."
"Good to hear." She smiled, rubbing my shoulder with a thumb. "Can you take a few deep breaths for me?" She sat me upright, lifting my hospital gown, asking as she placed the stethoscope underneath my breast. I inhaled and came to a concerning exhale. "One more time." I did as I was told. The exhale was slightly better but not exactly promising. "You were hurt pretty badly out there Athena. You've fractured several ribs and you suffered a Severe concussion. It could cause possible seizures." The doctor explained, buttoning back up my gown.
"I'll be fine." I insisted, tossing my legs over the edge of the bed. "Don't get off that bed." A familiar voice scolded.
"Maria." I sighed.
"Hi Athena." She greeted me. Maria came around to the side of the bed where I dangled my legs, holding me in her embrace. "I'm glad your okay."
"Mhm." I patted her back making her let go. "When can i leave?"
"After you recover from the damage."
"You're kidding right? Im fine Maria, I've been through worse."
"Athena. You were tortured, hit across the head with a crowbar and left in a burning building. You're not fine."
"That's apart of the job!"
"It's protocol Agent. You'll stay here until you've fully recovered."
"This is honestly bull-"
"Don't finish that sentence." My father interrupted. "Put the documents into the system." He told the doctor, shoeing her away. Our eyes finally met but neither of us budged. It was a cold, non- comforting gaze. I felt no welcome into his presence. If anything he was pissed that I even fell for the trap in the first place and I'll admit, I was too. "You are to be in your assigned unit, 12 hours a day. You will have physical therapy and will be monitored for any abnormalities." He said. "You're on the 54th floor, Your physical therapy will take place on the 62nd floor."
"Monitored by?"
"Agents. They'll switch out every now and than for your convenience and theirs. Any questions?"
"No sir."
"Great. Maria, can you get her to her room."
"Yes director fury." She nodded. Both Nick and the doctor left us alone, shutting the door behind them. "¡¿Qué demonios?!"
"¡No empieces! ¡Sabes que tenía que hacerlo!" I protested. "You could've died.!" Maria reminded me. "¡Caíste en una trampa para salvar la vida de una persona! ¡Eres estúpido! ¡Siempre lo has estado!" She articulated.
"We got what we went there for hill. That's all that matters."
"You matter too, Athena." She emphasized.
"I know, i know."
"No, no you don't. Look at me." She demanded. My eyes met her gaze, her eyes demanding attention.
"You matter."
