Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 11

Emily opened her eyes to an unfamiliar room, her senses slowly awakening to the surroundings. She struggled to raise her head, feeling stiff, and noticed a person in scrubs attending to her feet. Her clothes were replaced with a hospital gown, and she felt disoriented.

The woman in scrubs noticed Emily's movement and looked up, her face lighting up with relief. She moved closer and spoke with enthusiasm.

"Amazing! You're awake," she exclaimed, clapping her hands. Emily's head was still foggy, but she focused on the woman.

"I'll go call the doctor," the nurse said happily, bustling away.

Finally finding the strength to speak, Emily voiced the pressing question on her mind. "Where am I?" she asked.

The nurse looked confused. "Huh? You're in the emergency ward, of course."

"Emergency ward?" Emily asked, her confusion evident as she scanned the room. "In the hospital?" she clarified, looking at the nurse.

"Yes, in the hospital," the nurse confirmed.

"How... how did I get here?" Emily inquired, her mind racing.

"Your husband brought you in. He said you passed out in the shower," the nurse explained.

"My husband? Mark?!" Emily's voice rose with alarm. The nurse looked concerned at the sudden change in tone.

"Yes, he identified himself as that. He's also been here since he brought you in," the nurse replied.

Emily's mind whirled as she took in the medical equipment surrounding her—cardiac monitor, pulse oximeter, IV drips. The gravity of her situation sank in.

"Mrs. Smith?" the nurse called, noticing Emily's distraction.

Startled back to the present, Emily refocused on the nurse.

"You seemed lost," the nurse observed.

"How serious was my accident?" Emily asked, her voice trembling with apprehension.

"It was pretty severe," the nurse replied, her expression somber. "You bled internally, and you were malnourished. I can't provide a detailed report, but I'll ensure the doctor updates you," she added before leaving the room.

Alone once more, Emily's thoughts raced. Why was she in the emergency ward? The memory of being in the shower after Mark's revelation about her pregnancy flashed in her mind. Was she really pregnant? Or was it just a dream? She gently placed her hand on her belly, hoping for an alternative explanation.

As she pondered, the door opened, revealing a female doctor in a white coat. The doctor's smile softened Emily's anxiety as she approached.

"Thank goodness you're awake," the doctor greeted warmly, standing by Emily's side.

Confusion and worry etched across Emily's face as she awaited answers from the doctor."I am Dr. Garcia, Mrs. Smith," she introduced herself. "I'm the doctor on this shift," she said gently, placing the stethoscope's ear tips in her ears and positioning the chest piece on Emily's chest. "You seem to be okay," she said, carefully checking her.

"Why am I here?" Emily asked.

Dr. Garcia took off the stethoscope and hung it around her neck.

"You don't know why you're here?" she asked, lifting Emily's index finger on her right hand and checking the pulse oximeter carefully.

Emily shook her head. The doctor, focused on checking her entire body, wasn't looking at her. Realizing body language wasn't enough, Emily spoke softly, "No."