||"You, of all people, deserve a happy ending."||
"Has she settled in?"
"She seems comfortable."
"Good. We have to keep her that way."
"How are the others?"
"They aren't happy, but, they'll be okay."
"And Wanda? Will she be better in time for the birth?"
"I've learned not to set deadlines when it comes to her, and since you'll be working with her, I suggest you don't either."
"It won't be easy, Emma."
"I don't expect it to be."
"Should we take precautions for when she begins to remember? I've read what you've sent me; I know what might happen if she's overwhelmed."
"My only word of advice is to give her space, and please, be mindful."
"Anything else?"
"Yes. Be patient with her. There is still time to save her."
"From what?
"From herself."
Wanda opened her eyes, sitting up and blinking away her slumber.
The voices that had pulled her out of sleep were now gone, and the steady sound of her breathing was the only confirmation that she was indeed alone.
There were no windows in her new room, so she had no idea what time it was or whether it was still the same day.
When she turned her head, she winced, bringing up her hand to touch the raw skin that was beginning to heal from the collar they had placed on her. Her arms were also sore from the straight jacket, but other than that, she felt fine.
Gently, Wanda got out of bed and walked around her room. Her bags were sitting in the corner, all full of her personal items, but from the pile, she could see that her suit wasn't there. The sealed door was bolted shut and looked as though it were operated from the outside, which meant even if she wanted to, she couldn't break it open. At least not manually. To her right were a bed and a bookshelf, which was full of books and magazines.
To her left was the door, and in the corner beside her bags sat a rocking chair.
Wanda walked over to it and stared at the fine white wood. The cushions were a dark burgundy, and they even came with a matching footrest. It was lovely.
At the sound of the locks shifting inside of the door, Wanda stepped back toward her bed and held her hands behind her back. The reaction bothered her. There was no need to keep her hands behind her back. The straight jacket was gone.
A woman walked in with a cart full of food, and at the smell of it, Wanda's mouth watered.
"Hello," the woman said, smiling warmly at Wanda. "You were asleep when you got here, and it was a long ride so, I'm sure you're quite hungry."
