DR. ELLIS’ POV
I stepped cautiously into my patient’s room, making sure not to make any loud noises. I would hate to scare her the way I had earlier. Obviously, I had underestimated the criticalness of her situation. “Honey?” I asked softy, tapping my knuckle as light as possible on the doorframe. “Would you like something to eat?” I asked taking a step closer. Though she didn’t speak, I could see her this frame flinch, causing me to instantly draw back. “Honey?” I asked, a bit louder. She didn’t respond, though I knew she was awake. Her blank hazel eyes remained fixed on the ceiling and her hand continued to tap the muffles sheets, as it had all morning. Taking a deep breath, I walked forward. What are you doing there?” I asked politely, taking a seat beside her bed. Her eyes widened and her heartbeat sped a bit, but she did not protest. My heart sank, as she continued to tap. Had I really scared her that much? I feared, watching her. A small, frightened child had replaced the tough girl I’d encountered earlier. “You know you can talk to me right?” I told her calmly. When she didn’t reply again, I took a chance. Reaching out my hand, I took hers in mine. Instantly, her body jolted to the side and snapped into a protective ball, trembling uncontrollably.
“P-please don’t hurt me.” She pled, through cracks in her voice.
“Sarah no one is going to hurt you.” I assured her, standing up. Her voice squeaked and her ball tightened, completely covering her thin face in her knees. “Hey come on.” I soothed, sitting on the edge of her bed as far away as possible. She mumbled something, but it was too muffled to understand. “What did you say?” I asked, trying to see her face.
“Make it quick.” Sarah sighed with a tear rolling down her cheek. Her thin hands clenched the covers awaiting god knows what to happen.
I shook my head and tried my best not to cry. “Honey, I told you. You’re safe now. No one is going to hurt you, especially not me.” I assured her again, though I knew she wouldn’t believe me. She closed her tired eyes and buried her head once more.
Deciding to let her rest, I got up, beginning to walk towards the door. “Um…” She mumbled, hardly understandable. I paused and turned around.
“Yes?”
She opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a crack. “I-“ She began, sniffing back a tear. “Is Justin… dead?” She asked, nearly unable to get the words out. I could hear the fear in her voice as she spoke, making me more and more ashamed for startling her as I had.
“No.” I assured her right away. “No. Justin is fine.”
“Can I see him?” She asked, uncurling a bit.
I took a deep breath and shook my head. “No.” I sighed regretfully. “ He is in a critical state, but I will take you to him as soon as possible.” I told her, expecting the same outburst as before. Instead she just nodded and pulled the covers further up her body. I waited a moment for her to respond, but she never did. She just lay there numbly… taping.
YOU ARE READING
Strive
Teen Fiction" Sometimes the road to recovery is more twisted and agonizing than the sickness itself." Eight years ago Sarah and Justin were kidnapped. For years they were trapped in the dark, knowing of nothing but pain. It seemed like it was all over for them...
