A kiss for Ree

Chapter 32

......

There really wasn't anything I could do, I fight, I could protest, I could yell, I could create a scene but all those options won't solve anything. It was frustrating being helpless and at the mercy of selfish men like my dad and Ludwig's dad.

I spent two more days in the hospital room which felt like a lifetime, staring at the white walls for hours, no phone to keep my company, I miss Omar with all my heart, I cried a couple of times just wishing I could see him again.

Ludwig visited me frequently but we didn't say anything to each other, I didn't even want to talk to him.

On the third day, after taking my bath and dressing up in the plain gown Ludwig brought, I sat at the edge of the bed, arms folded tightly over my chest. A dull ache still pulsed beneath my ribs, and the band of pressure around my side reminded me why I was here in the first place.

The doctor stood at the foot of the bed, his expression kind but professional.

"The bruise should heal within four to six weeks, but you need to be gentle with yourself," he said, handing a sheet of paper to Ludwig, who stood like a reluctant bodyguard. "No alcohol, no heavy lifting, and stick to a light, liver-friendly diet, leafy greens, lots of water, no junk. Understand?"

I nodded silently.

"Also," he added, "you might feel fatigue and mood swings. That's normal, but if anything gets worse, call us immediately."

I nodded again, and the doctor stepped out with a polite nod. The moment the door shut, silence bloomed between us.

"Ready?" Ludwig asked carefully.

I didn't answer. I just lifted myself to my feet firmly, but getting up made my head swirl and I felt back with a whine.

Ludwig moved instantly, offering his hand to help. I ignored it.

The car ride to his house was awkward. I pressed myself against the passenger door like I was trying to merge with it. The seatbelt irritated my ribs, but I refused to complain.

"Look..." he started, one hand on the wheel, the other fishing something from the center console. "I, uh... figured you'd want this."

He handed me my phone and charger. I blinked down at them. My phone!. Finally!!.

"Thanks," I mumbled.

"No problem."

"Do they know you're giving me this?" I asked before I could stop myself. It seems my life was now being controlled by them.

"No," he said quickly.

My fingers curled around the phone like a lifeline. I should have said thank you again. I should have said something. But all I could think about was how I was on my way to live in a house I didn't choose, with a boy I didn't want to see, because my father had made decisions that I don't understand.

And Ludwig, he didn't look like he wanted this either. His fingers tightened slightly on the wheel as the city passed us by.

**********

The morning light filtered in soft and golden, brushing the edge of the unfamiliar curtains like a quiet stranger. For a second, I didn't remember where I was.

Then I turned my head to stare around.

Not my sheets. Not my window. Not my ceiling.

This room was too polished. Too neat. Like it had never belonged to anyone before me. My chest tightened as the memory clicked into place.