Chapter 5: Four or dead by G O A Chapter 5

“T–two days?” I ask in soft disbelief.

“Yes, dear. You…suffered from a severe head injury. A gunshot wound that grazed your head almost fatally, and a concussion from collapsing and hitting your head on the edge of a desk.” She explained.

I closed my eyes and let out a shaky breath and whimpered softly reaching up and touching my eyelids softly.

“Will my eyes heal?” I asked.

“It may take some time and we can’t say how long the symptoms will last since it’s different for every individual.” She replied honestly.

I nod.

“When can she be released?” The second person asks.

I am too confused that I can’t place the voice. It sounds like someone I know but my head was too much of a mess.

“That is another matter we need to discuss. She has significant scarring and bruising over most of her body. We had to contact the authorities and report possible abuse. They want to interview her guardian about this and may recommend she stay with a friend until it can be investigated.” The doctor said and I shook my head frantically and reach around to grab her hand.

“No please don’t! Please. They can’t ask questions. Please!” I begged. She placed her hand on top of mine and rubbed them gently.

“Dear someone has been hurting you and it’s our responsibility to make sure you are safe at home. We can’t send you back in this condition if there is someone who can hurt you further.”

I let go of her and fell back on my pillow letting my tears fall. How had I messed up so much that now my whole world was falling apart? It was easy, shoot the gun and it would be done. What happened?

“I can let her stay with me for a while.” The man said.

“She will need to be monitored for any further pain due to her injuries. If she sent home with her eyes still in this condition she will need a lot of help.” The doctor explained to the man. Who is this guy? How could I go anywhere with someone I don’t know well enough to recognize their voice? Why would the hospital even let him?

“I’ll let you rest for now and come check on you in a little while. Call the nurse if you need anything. Okay?” The doctor said handing me some kind of remote.

“Thank you, doctor.” The man said.

There is silence in the room for a moment before the man let out a sigh.

“W–who are you?” I asked nervously.

“You don’t recognize my voice, Emma?” He asked.

“It sounds familiar, but I don’t remember it,” I said shyly.

“Maybe it’s best that way. I don’t want to upset you.” The man said taking hold of my hand and I flinched.

“I–I’m sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“N–no it’s okay,” I said before relaxing.

“Please tell me who you are.”

“Are you sure? I don’t want to upset you.” He said

“Please not knowing is scaring me more,” I replied nervously.

He sighed and tightened his hold on my hand a bit.

“It’s….”