𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 | Dᴏᴄᴛᴏʀ Sᴛʀᴀɴɢᴇ

A Strange Encounter {1}

New York, 2018
IVY'S P.O.V

As consciousness slowly seeps into my being, I feel an intense wave of pain surging through every inch of my body. Groggily, I force my eyes open, only to be met with an onslaught of brightness that assaults my already weary eyes. My breath hitches as the weight of past injuries settle in, the dull ache of countless wounds prickling my skin.

I can feel the stiffness of dried blood clinging stubbornly to my flesh, the silent testament to the brutal fight I endured. My head is caught in a dizzying spiral, each pulse of pain accompanied by a persistent throb, leaving me disoriented and lost.

Where the fuck am I?

I sit up and try to clear my blurry vision, I touch my head, trying to ease the intense headache that has suddenly overtaken me. Standing up, I scan my surroundings, searching for any sign of Guan, a wave of anger washing over me once more.

I look down at my hands and it's covered in dry blood. Her blood.

The pain and anger well up inside me, I can barely speak. My throat feels raw and scratchy, like a knife is stabbing it, I try to hold back tears that I've been refusing to shed.

I could've saved them.

I could've been more careful..

I could've-

I drop down to my knees. The weight of my grief and sorrow pulling me down. My body slumps forward as I look up at nothing in particular, my eyes vacant and unfocused.

My breathing becomes more labored and frenzied, I push myself to stand up and stumble out of the alleyway, leaving the darkness behind. I find myself in what appears to be a bustling city, the sound of traffic and chatter surrounding me.

My eyes dart around frantically, trying to make sense of my new surroundings.
I make my way through the city, my eyes are still puffy and red from crying, and my chest heaves with each breath. People give me odd looks as they pass by, and some even go out of their way to avoid bumping into me. I must look like a mess, with blood on my hands and clothes and an expression of grief etched onto my face.

As I continue walking, I pass by a shop with TVs in the display window, and my eyes land on a news report playing on one of the screens. My curiosity piqued, I stop to watch for a moment, hoping to get some clues about my current location and the universe I find myself in. Doesn't tell me where I am.

Realization hits me as I try to ask passersby for help, but they keep walking, seemingly intimidated or put off by my disheveled appearance. I take a moment to collect myself and realize that I need to look less erratic and more approachable if I want anyone to actually stop and help me.

Having spotted a clothing shop nearby, I decide it's time to act. I've been known to steal on occasion, so grabbing some clothes without being noticed shouldn't be too difficult. I scan the area for potential witnesses or security cameras and, sensing the coast is clear.

Sneaking in might be too risky, I notice that the shop has clothes on display outside, seemingly an invitation for passersby to browse without entering. The owner is busy with a customer, giving me the perfect opportunity to swipe some clothes discreetly. I manage to grab a decent shirt and jeans without drawing attention, but just as I'm about to make a clean getaway, some busybody decides to be a rat and calls out to me. In a flash, I dart away, breaking into a sprint as adrenaline fuels my legs.

I manage to evade the police and hide in a tree, my heart racing as I catch my breath. As I'm high up, I spot a hose on the ground below. Sensing an opportunity to wash off the dried blood, I quickly get dressed and make my way back to where the hose is located. With a plan in mind, I quietly approach the hose, intending to discreetly wash off any traces of dried blood on my body.