The Ugly Duckling

chapter 1- Miss Evangeline

The sound of a rotating fan was the only noise she could hear. It was disturbing her.

She tried to switch it off but couldn't move her hands. What is happening to her?
Now, that she noticed,
the sound didn't feel familiar. Her fan doesn't make that creaky sound.
The bed didn't feel as comfortable as her's either.

Her eyes were too heavy to open. She panicked and her heart rate went up.There was a beeping sound nearby and several footsteps followed.

" It's okay. You are good. Stay with us " a rough voice spoke to her and someone tapped her hand.
After a couple of hours she woke up to find herself in a hospital gown.

A nurse at the corner of the room noticed her waking up.
She checked her vitals and immediately went out without uttering a single word.

After sometime, the nurse came back with a doctor.
The doctor asked her several questions about how she was feeling , to which she answered.

"Okay, now you are good. Do you want me to call your PA now?"
Asked the doctor.

From when does she have PA?

The doctor became alert seeing her confused face.

He sat down.

" Okay... Miss .. Can you tell me your name.. ?"

Name ? Oh yeah everyone has a name? But did she have one? None that she remembers of .

The doctor took a deep breath.

He went out and came back with a thin man with a large spectacles, too large for his face.

The talked among themselves in hushed tone, looking at her. She could have heard them if she concentrated enough. But, she was just too lost in her own mind.

The next couple of days went in the hospital room with nurses and doctors coming in and out. Occassionally, the spectacled man from before comes inside to sign something or talk with doctors with a serious face.  He comes only when the doctor calls for him, but comes in immediately whenever called, leaving her to wonder if he has never left the corridor.

But for the questions during checkups about her health, no one talked to her. No one answered her questions. She was left to think . But her mind seemed to have been reinstalled that she couldnt think of anything. Her name, her friends , her favourite food, nothing.

She has memorised the nook and corner of the room by heart.

One day, suddenly, the spec guy came in without any doctor.

She didn't mind him as she was tired of expecting any conversation with anybody.  She simply closed her eyes when a sharp male voice was heard speaking.

" Shall we go home Miss?"
She opened her eyes in shock to see him standing near her, looking at her. She blinked her eyes as if to check if she was imagining things. Looked around the room to see if there was anybody else.

The guy was seeing her expecting an answer.
He cleared his voice
" The doctor.. the doctor said you can be discharged. A familiar atmosphere might help you regain your memories Miss"

She felt helpless. She didn't know if she could trust him. For all she knew, he could be a kidnapper or a psycho serial killer. His look matched the typical serial killer looks. He could be the next ted bunty

But she also had no choice. He was the only one she had seen other than the hospital workers. She couldn't go on her own with zero memories and zero money.

Money?

How was she going to pay the hospital fee? The hospital suddenly looked so extravagant.

She looked at the guy in front of her and noticed he was still waiting for her answer.

Muting all her doubts, she nodded her small head timidly. As the man was about to turn back, she caught his hand.

He stood still.

She became self concious and left his hand with a jerk.

" The bill.. How much is it? Is there any option to pay later? May be an EMI? Do you know if I have any insurance coverage? I can't remember? Or, can you lend it ? I promise to pay back"

The guy looked at her with a blank face but his eyes seemed to have an unshed tear.

" There is no problem Miss. Everything is taken care of. "
Seeing her confused face, he came closer and told,

" The hospital is your's Miss.Evangeline"
Saying this, he walked away without a second glance.

Guys, please do help me with your feedbacks. Hope you like the first chapter.

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