Baby

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four: Confrontations and Revelations

unedited

The void enveloped me, its suffocating darkness surrounding me like a heavy cloak. As I stood there, frozen and voiceless, her presence echoed through the empty space, sending shivers down my spine. Her back was turned to me, but the malicious energy she radiated was unmistakable. As her cruel words sliced through the stillness, my body tensed as she spoke, each venomous syllable landing like a blow. "Look at you. Alone." The words echoed through the void, bouncing off the walls as if they were taunting me for their truth. Her voice was dripping with a sadistic glee as she continued to speak, the torment in her words seeping into my bones. "No matter where you go. Who you meet. You'll always be that little pathetic unlovable little girl." My head began to shake violently, desperation coursing through me as I silently pleaded to be freed from this nightmare. Get me out of here. Get me out of here. "And they'll all realize that sooner than later. And you'll be left with nothing, and no one." The pain in my chest intensified with every word she spoke, each syllable like a dagger embedding itself deep into my heart. It was becoming unbearable. "Then you'll be," She slowly shifted of her feet, the gradual turning of her body, "Truly, and utterly," The pain in my chest increased my a ton fold when she finally turned to face me, "Alone."

Sarah.

I gasped loudly as my eyes suddenly shot open, only to be met with a blinding light. The brightness forced my eyes shut once more as my breathing became wild and erratic.

As I attempted to open my eyes again, I was startled by the sudden presence of bodies around me. My vision was blurry, but it was clearing up quickly. I looked around the room, my mind racing as I tried to mentally count the number of people around me.

One. Beverly. Two. Raia. Three. A nurse. Four. A doctor. Five. Silas.

Silas?

Beverly's voice quivered with worry as she spoke. "Oh my god, Baby," she whispered, her concern clear.

Confusion clouded my mind, my eyes darting from one face to the next as the realization of my surroundings hit me. My mind registered the white walls and medical equipment. I was in a hospital.

As the dark-haired doctor approached me, he introduced himself as Doctor Bernard. "Ms. Sinclair," he began, his voice gentle yet professional, "You're currently being treated at Virginia Mason Medical Center. You suffered a severe panic attack, which caused you to faint, fall and sustain a concussion." I listened quietly, nodding as he explained, his words deliberate and slow to ensure my comprehension.

Doctor Bernard shifted his weight, his voice gentle but firm. "Do you remember anything? Can you tell us what might've brought this on?"

My mind raced, desperately trying to piece together the fragments of the recent events. I squeezed my eyes shut, attempting to recall the details of what had led to this moment.

My memories flashed through my mind, replaying the events of our outing. The image of the tavern, the laughter and chatter of the girls, our lighthearted conversation. Everything had been fine. Then, what had gone wrong? The question lingered in my mind, elusive yet pressing.

My eyes slowly opened as I shook my head, my words faltering. "We were just... talking, right?" I glanced over at the girls, the memories of our conversation and meal coming back to me.

"We were just eating, a-and talking. But then I was... I was... looking-" My heart rate quickened as I tried to recall the moment I zoned out, staring outside the tavern window.