Found Obsession

Chapter 24: Recovery

May 4, 2004

Rose slowly drifted awake, a dull pain radiating from her throat. As she instinctively reached up to touch the area, her fingers brushed against a bandage. Panic surged through her as memories of the night before flooded back: the party, the cake, the suffocating sensation.

Great, she thought, realizing she couldn't speak. A wave of frustration washed over her. How could she have allergies?

Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the sterile white walls and the faint smell of antiseptic. Just then, the door opened, and Raven walked in, a bright smile spreading across his face when he saw her. Dressed in a crisp white coat, he held a clipboard in one hand, exuding an air of professionalism that somehow made her feel at ease.

"Thanks to you," he began, his voice warm and encouraging, "all the benefactors and donations have turned you into a VIP here."

She rolled her eyes at his playful tone, but her heart swelled with gratitude. He walked closer and took a seat in the chair next to her bed, his demeanor shifting to one of concern.

"You won't be able to speak for about three weeks," he informed her gently. "And you'll need to stay here to avoid any infections."

Rose's eyes widened in disbelief, a flurry of thoughts racing through her mind. Three weeks of silence?

There was a soft knock on the door, and Rose turned to see Riley step into the room. His expression brightened when he caught sight of her awake, relief washing over his features.

He was holding a small whiteboard and a black marker.

"Hey," he said, trying to sound casual, but his voice betrayed a hint of worry. "You scared the shit out of everyone."

Rose managed a smile, but the movement sent a sharp pain through her throat. Ignoring the discomfort, she took the whiteboard from him and quickly scribbled a sad smiley face on it.

":(" she wrote, turning it around for both Riley and Raven to see.

They both chuckled at her attempt to lighten the mood, the sound warming her heart.

"Guess we can't blame you for the dramatic flair," Riley said, his eyes sparkling with affection. "You really know how to make an exit."

Rose rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face remained. Even in the hospital, surrounded by the sterile scent of antiseptic, she felt a flicker of joy at the simple act of communication with her friends.
Raven took a deep breath, his expression shifting to a more serious tone. "So, for the bad news..."

Rose's heart sank, and she prepared herself for the worst.

"You can only eat liquids and mashed foods for the next few weeks," he said, his tone light but the message heavy.

"Oh no," Rose wrote on the whiteboard, her disappointment evident. The response earned another chuckle from both men, lightening the mood despite her frustration.

"And an immediate incapacity from me," Riley added, grinning mischievously.

Rose let her head fall back against the pillow, wishing she could groan in exasperation. The thought of surviving on nothing but soup and pureed foods felt unbearable, but she couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity of it all. She felt trapped, yet surrounded by the warmth of their support, and for now, that was enough.

"Didn't you know you were allergic to nuts?" Riley asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

Rose rolled her eyes, then grabbed the marker and wrote, When I said I forgot my memories, I meant all of them.