DIAMOND PRIZE

Chapter 02: Tail him

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IT WAS DARK, except for the steady beeping sound. Afra's breath was shallow, and she slowly opened her eyes. Her vision was blurry, but as she blinked, she adjusted to the bright light. Disoriented, she took in her unfamiliar surroundings. A throbbing headache made her feel weak and dizzy.

A soft blanket covered her body, and a sharp tugging pain caught her attention. She lifted her arm, and her gaze fell upon a needle inserted into her skin, secured with tape.

Her throat was parched, and a painful cough racked her body. She spotted a glass of water on the table and carefully adjusted herself to sit comfortably. With slow, deliberate sips, she gulped the water, wincing as the pain made every swallow a struggle.

Her gaze wandered, taking in the sterile white walls and ceiling. The room was tidy, with two plush cushions in the corner. A table stood beside the bed, and a figure was curled up on one of the cushions, fast asleep.

She closed her eyes, then winced in pain as she slowly opened them again. Her head throbbed relentlessly. She glanced at the woman resting on the cushion, but her foggy memory couldn't place where she knew her from.

"Excuse me," Afra whispered, her voice laced with pain. The lady on the cushion startled, her eyes snapping open in surprise.

"Afra!" the lady exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're awake! Oh Allah, Alhamdulillah!" Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at Afra, relief and gratitude etched on her face.

"Do I... know you?" Afra asked, her voice barely above a whisper, tinged with fear and uncertainty. Her memories were hazy, with only fragments remaining. She recalled nothing about her mother or how Zayn had saved her.

The lady jumped up, concern etched on her face. "Oh dear, you shouldn't exert yourself! I'll call the doctor right away." She hurried out, calling back, "I'll be right back, okay!"

Afra nodded, and the lady quickly left. Left alone, Afra's mind whirled, trying to piece together why she was there. She had no idea how many days she'd spent unconscious. Fragments of memories resurfaced: being chased with her mother, but the reason behind the pursuit remained a maddening mystery.

A few minutes passed before a doctor entered the room with the lady on the cushion, who was now standing beside her. The doctor examined Afra, taking her vitals and making notes before turning to the lady.

The doctor nodded, "She's weak, but her breathing is stable. Let me just ask her a few questions."

"Go on," the lady urged gently.

The doctor turned to Afra, her eyes locked on hers. "So, Afra is your name?" Afra nodded, and the doctors gaze shifted to the lady, with a nod and turn to Afra. "Can you remember what happened to you and why you're here?"

"Ye-yes," Afra replied weakly.

"Okay, tell me about it," the doctor said gently, "if you don't mind."

"My mum... and I were running... away from some goons," Afra stammered, her voice cracking. Tears welled up, blinding her eyes as the fragmented memories overwhelmed her.

The doctor's gentle voice soothed Afra. "Calm down, Afra. We'll talk more later. For now, just rest."

She nodded and the doctor exited the room.

Half an hour, Afra's gaze shifted to the elderly woman, her curiosity piqued. "May I know who you are?" Afra asked, her voice low and gentle. "You look familiar," she added, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to place the woman's face.

"I'm so sorry for not introducing myself I must've surprised you," she said, her voice filled with emotion as she cleared her throat. "I'm Marwah... your grandmother."