I wait until the nurse leaves with the pile of sheets, and then I get up again, without any interference this time.
The panic circling through me is stronger than any painkiller. I’m barely cognizant of my headache as I walk over to the cabinet that held my bag and look inside.
As I’d hoped, my clothes are there too, folded neatly. I cast a quick look at the room entrance to verify that the door is closed, then strip off my hospital gown and put on the clothes I was wearing earlier. As I do so, I realize the lump on my head is not my only injury. The entire right side of my body is bruised, and I have scrapes all over.
That stupid drunk. I so should’ve shot him and his hyena friends when I had the chance.
No. I draw in a calming breath. Anger is pointless now. It’s a distraction I can’
