Serpent of Abyss

01.2 ▌The Beginning

April 4, 2014
XXX Country

THE RYTHMIC sound of the cardiac monitor combined with the bustling of trees was a lullaby to Leilani's ears.

Her thin arms dangled outside the small opening of her room as her chin rested on the window bay. The spring breeze caressed her pasty skin but her thick lashes were kept close — as if to avoid the reality yet at the same time reaching for it.

Leilani had been enclosed in this room ever since she could remember. She was born here after all.

And apparently, it seemed like she would die here too.

These plain white walls were the witness of her worthless life. Today even marked the eighteenth year she spent trying to survive when in the first place, it was an impossible feat.

As the wind grew stronger, a leaf drifted inside. It landed right on her forehead and she opened her eyes instinctively.

Her vision was filled with colors there and then.

The vibrant hues of spring created so much contrast to the dullness of the room. 'Will it be too much to ask if it's always winter?'

"Leilani!"

Her whole body jolted from the sharp tone. She pulled back her arms, turning to the doctor assigned to her along with a nurse accompanying her. The two almost appeared like sisters in her view but she was sure who owned that voice.

"You're so loud, Doc Jenna," she said while returning to her bed.

The middle-aged woman's frown deepened as she took out her stethoscope. The cold metal touched Leilani's chest. The latter's lips were already sealed while taking deep breaths without the doctor's instruction — considering they had been repeating the same situation since she was young.

"You need to close your window, Leilani. It will be hard if you get sick, especially when the season's changing. We will be running a test this afternoon so be careful with your food—"

"Excuse me, Doctor." Another nurse arrived, pushing the door open in a rush. "Professor Johnson called. They're asking if Doctor Johnson is here."

The nurse handed the phone but Doctor Jenna ignored it, still facing Leilani. "Why are they calling me to look for their child? Do I look like a nanny?"

"Aren't you?" Leilani snickered making Doctor Jenna sigh while shaking her head.

"I can totally see why I never got married. It feels like I had a lot of children since I became a doctor here. And you are the cheekiest."

A laugh escaped her lips as Doctor Jenna poked her forehead. But despite the complaint, Doctor Jenna was the sole person who treated her well. 

Though she had seemed to forget what it was today.

"It's because you're lying. You told me your work has been a lot easier when Doctor Johnson is around," Leilani replied.

"Remind me why did I even tell you that again?"

"Because I'm your favorite patient," she answered with a toothy grin pasted on her face.

Doctor Jenna ruffled her hair. The black strands instantly became a nest when the heavy curls were disturbed.

"I'll be going now."

"Already? Have you forgotten about today?"

Doctor Jenna gasped. "Oh. You're right! Today's the hospital's anniversary."