I eased herself into the chair, arm aching as i removed the cloth, revealing the deep gash. Blood had soaked through the bandage, and i saw her eyes narrow slightly, grabbing gloves and disinfectant. - what happened? - she asked me carefully.
- let's say Abruzzi's men don't take kindly to anyone other than their people. - my tone was casual. I winced as she gently cleaned the wound, her touch careful but firm.
- well, l'd say you got off lucky, - she replied, glancing at my bruised neck. - Those look nasty. Let me get something for the swelling once I'm done with the arm.
- can we not do any painkillers, - i asked, Dr. Tancredi glanced up.
- you'll be in a lot of pain Emma - she told me.
- I just don't do well with heavy painkillers, - i mumbled. - maybe something light. - she nodded.
- so, - she said after a moment of silence, her voice conversational, - how's prison life treating you? I imagine being a woman in here is...an experience.
I couldn't help but let out a dry laugh - It's hard enough being a woman in a men's prison. - Doctor nodded, her expression sympathetic.
- I'm sure it's overwhelming.
- you'll find your way. Stick with people you can trust .. if that's possible here - I stood up, but the infirmary doors were already bolted shut.
Dr. Tancredi had rushed off to check on another inmate earlier, leaving me alone. As the pounding footsteps neared, I felt a rush of panic swell inside. I looked around for anything to protect myself with, spotting a heavy metal tray on the counter. It was not much, but it would have to do.
Suddenly, the doors busted open, and two inmates stormed in, their eyes wild. The larger of the two noticed me immediately.
- Well, look what we have here, - his voice full of menace. My grip tightened on the tray, hands trembling slightly. - Stay back, - i warned, though my voice shook with the adrenaline. The second inmate laughed darkly.
- what are you gonna do with that? Hit us? Go ahead - my breath quickened as they advanced. I swung the tray with all her might, managing to strike one across the jaw. He stumbled back with a grunt, but it only seemed to anger them more. The other grabbing my wrist and twisted it painfully, making me drop the tray with a loud clatter. - Not so tough now, are we? - he snarled, pinning me against the wall. His grip tightened around my throat and I yelped in pain.
In that moment, i thought this might be it - my second close call in one day. But then, out of nowhere, a loud thud echoed above me. The next thing i knew, a familiar voice called out. - Emma get down! - It was Michael. He moved with precision, taking out the first inmate with a swift blow to the back of the head. The second man turned to fight, but Michael was quicker, disarming him and sending him to the floor. Michael grabbed my arm, pulling me toward the vent he had crawled through. - Come on baby, we need to get out of here. - I nodded, still in shock, and allowed him to help me up. My body was shaking as we crawled through the narrow space, the sounds of the riot raging below them.
We stopped for a moment, huddled in the confined space. Michael noticed and took my hand in his. He squeezed it before whispering - Hey, you're ok now - he shifted closer to me. His voice was calm and steady, a stark contrast to the chaos around us.
- you're safe now. - the tears i had been holding back finally spilling over.
- I almost died. Twice today, - she whispered, her voice weak. - I don't know how much more I can take this.
Michael gently took my hands, his touch gentle - You're stronger than you think, - he said softly. - We'll get through his. Together. - I looked at him, her breathing ragged, for the first time in forever i didn't feel alone.
Michael's presence, his calm amidst the storm, made me feel like maybe i could make it.
