When Secrets Surface (Book #1)

Chapter 32

Dorothy's POV

When Mrs Brian and Tim came here yesterday. Sophie almost broke down. I felt bad.

I knocked on her door and entered
without waiting for a response.

I saw her scribbling something down in her notebook.

"You know you are not supposed to be stressing yourself right," I said placing my hand on her shoulder.

"I think I know where Dad is," She blurted out

...

"What?!" I asked confused.

"Remember when I left my phone in Mr Brian's car, there's a good chance that the forest where his car stopped may be the location Dad is at currently. If nobody knows where he is and he doesn't get enough food and water he may die this time," Sophie explained, the excitement behind her voice clear.

"Soph... I think you should just rest and we can deal with this dilemma after you get better," I tried to let her down slowly.

"I can rest after we find Dad," She retorted and I saw her visibly wince probably from pain.

"You just winced," I said.

"No, I didn't," She retorted.

"Yes, you did. Doesn't it hurt to have the back of your head stitched up after hitting it against a tree?" I asked. I could feel the pain by just seeing her injury.

"Yes, but I'll be fine," She responded.

"You know the Doctor is coming over today and if she sees you are not improving you know what will happen," I told her. If she wanted to stay out of the hospital she needed to stay at home, calm down and rest.

"She can wait until after we come back from the forest," Sophie said stubbornly.

She stood up, picked up her car keys and moved to the door.

"Where are you going?" I raised my voice slightly, due to the stubborn, unreasonable behavior she was displaying right now.

"The forest".

"I'm not going to let you drive with a head injury, you could get in a car accident, you're not thinking straight," My voice rose sharply.

"Then you drive us there," She yelled back throwing the car key at me.

"No, You're going to stay here and take a nap and get better," I reduced my tone, I needed to stay calm to convince her.

"What am I a toddler?" She said letting out a laugh.

"You can't laugh it will open up the stitches again," I stated coldly.

"Don't do this, don't do that you're acting like my Mom. So you're a certified doctor now," Sophie snapped at me.

She slumped down on her bed.

"Why are you so moody?" I asked her.

Maybe hitting her head injury has caused mood swings.

"Why am I moody?!" Her voice rose sarcastically, "My boyfriend betrayed me. Dad is still missing. I can't laugh. I've been receiving threats. I was almost killed and I feel useless." She yelled.

I blinked due to the shock from her sudden outburst. I wasn't expecting that.

I saw her face drop a little. She started to sob.

"Look I'm sorry for yelling, I'm sorry," I started rubbing her back.

"I didn't mean to act irrationally," She mumbled, "I'm just so stupid".

"You're not stupid. It's just you are a very determined person. It's normal to act a little off when you have a head injury. I can tell you are hurting emotionally, physically and mentally," I explained, trying to calm her down, she was probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions.

Mom entered the room,"Soph, the doctor is here," She paused when she realized Sophie was crying, "Oh honey come here," She hugged Sophie and Sophie started to bawl.

Sophie's POV

After 15 minutes I calmed myself down with the help of Mom and Dorothy.

I was just so disoriented.

"Can I go and wash my face?" I asked, sniffling exhausted from crying.

My Mom nodded.

I stood up from my bed and went into my bathroom.

I turned on the sink and splashed my face with cold water. The water surprisingly managed to calm my nerves.

When I went downstairs, I saw the familiar face of Dr Lauren waiting patiently for me.

"Sophie, how are you?" Dr Lauren asked.

"Terrible," I blurted, "Honestly, I'm a mess. Mood swings, headaches and I feel emotional randomly... I feel like I'm losing my grip. I don't feel like me."

Dr. Lauren nodded empathetically. "I understand. The effects of head injuries can be unpredictable. Let's review your progress." She scanned my chart, her expression concerned.

"The bleeding has stabilized, but emotional struggles are common," Dr. Lauren explained. "We'll adjust your medication and intensify counseling."

My skepticism took over my words. "Will it even help? I feel stuck."

Dr. Lauren's calm demeanor reassured me. "We'll work through this together, Sophie. You're strong."

*Next Steps*

1. Schedule intensive counseling.
2. Adjust medication.
3. Gradual return to activities.
4. Rest and avoidance of strenuous and stressful activities

I sighed resignedly. "Okay, Doc. Thank you for your time"

Dr. Lauren's gentle smile offered hope. "You'll overcome this, Sophie. Have a good day."

I nodded and she stood up and she exited the house.

I huffed in frustration and stormed into my room.

Don't do this. Don't do that. It's frustrating.

I picked up my laptop and typed a few notes down. Before I went to the original question on the investigation board.

I wrote underneath it:

We know that Mr Brian kidnapped David Gordon. David Gordon is alive but where is he?

My strongest guess is that he is in the forest locked away from society but this is just a theory, he may not, be there.

I picked up my car keys and marched to my door.

"Where are you going?" Dorothy was waiting for me at the other side of my door.

"To find Dad," I stated.

"Let me drive. At least so you don't crash and cause a car accident," Dorothy said and I tossed my car keys to her and we left the house.

We entered a car and sped off to find Dad.