Molly's Return

Chapter 17: Asthma Attack

Snively was able to convince the commander to grant Molly a temporary leave from active duty, recognizing the strain she was under. He also agreed to provide additional support for her recovery, including access to counseling services to help her cope with her trauma.

Now, Molly was in her room, cleaned up, wearing a maroon colored suspender dress with a light beige long-sleeved shirt underneath. Despite the physical exhaustion, her mind was alive with thoughts and fears. She was alone, yet not alone, knowing that her friends were just a call away. It was a small comfort, but a comfort nonetheless. She then began to think about the nightmare Moraceae just gave her; vines literally bursting out of her mouth, making her unable to breathe properly from the inside out. The thought sent a shiver down her spine, making her hold herself tighter.

"That was low, even for you..." She mumbled, knowing Moraceae could hear her. This time, she wasn't surprised when she got a slight headache and touched her head as she heard her tormentor's voice in her head again.
"Oh, my dear Molly, you should know by now that when it comes to you, there are no lows I wouldn't stoop to." Moraceae taunted, her voice echoing ominously. Clenching her fists, Molly suddenly noticed the card on her bedside table tha Maria left out for her. The cover had beautiful blue flowers glowing in the night sky, and she picked it up to reread the handwritten message inside.
"Molly, we're all here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need help.
- Love, Maria"

Tears welled up in Molly's eyes as she read the message, feeling a knot in her throat. She hugged the card close, feeling a sense of warmth despite the situation.
"She's just so nice." But then that thought came to her again. "Too nice..."

She let out an audible sigh as she lay down on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. She was lost in her thoughts, her mind racing with the same question; could she trust Maria? She wanted to, she really did, but she was afraid that the beautiful kindness and warmth that the blonde hedgehog offered was just a fabrication, like everything else in her life. The fear of betrayal was too great, and she couldn't bear the thought of losing Maria. She decided to keep her distance, to protect both Maria and herself. But as she stared at the comforting message, she couldn't help but wish things could be different.

She then heard a soft knock on the door. "Who is it?"
"Molly, it's me, can I come in?"

When Molly heard Maria, she wiped her tears and opened the door to be greeted by her. But like her, she was wearing something different, a pink dress with puffy sleeves with a darker pink ribbon on her white neckline. She was also carrying a tray of traditional Japanese soup, and was equally surprised to see Molly wearing something different.

"Wow, uh... you look... nice." The ginger hedgehog broke the awkward silence. "Pink suits you." Maria blushed at the unexpected compliment, her heart fluttering in her chest. "Thank you. I don't wear this old thing very often." She then allowed herself in the bedroom, placing the tray on the bed, before checking on her, noticing she got her hair down. "I'm happy you took my advice of keeping your quills loose."
"Um, yeah. You weren't kidding when you said it would help. It's just... feels different." Molly replied, her fingers running through her now loose hair. She turned her gaze to the tray that Maria brought, recognizing the familiar smell of the soup. "Is that miso soup?"

"Yes!" Maria replied with an exited nod. "I thought it might be comforting, and it's easy on the stomach. I can make something more substantial later if you're up for it." Her face softened as she looked at Molly, her concern palpable. "You should eat something, Molly. You'll feel better."

With a smile and a nod, she sat down on her bed, but quickly jolted back up and turn to see she sat on her hedgehog tail.
"Ugh, keep forgetting I have this..."