Chapter 5
645 Words
Back in the ward, Amy took a deep breath before answering her call.
“Hi, Kate.”
“I called you all through the night, but it kept ringing with no answer. I’m at your apartment, and you’re not here. Where are you?” Kate’s panic could be heard.
“I’m fine, just resting somewhere for now. I need to clear my head,” Amy lied, not wanting to add to Kate’s worries. They were both grieving and needed peace.
“I understand. How long will you be gone?” Kate asked.
“Just a few days. Do you need something?” Amy guessed Kate needed something from her apartment.
“I...umm, just wanted to stay in Landon’s room, but that’s fine. I’ll wait till you’re back,” Kate replied.
Amy’s eyes stung with tears, and she swallowed hard.
“Check between the flowers, there’s an extra key there.”
“Thank you.”
“Kate...?” Amy hesitated, knowing this wasn’t the right time, but she had to ask.
“Any news on what we discussed last night?”
“No...umm, I haven’t...” Kate trailed off.
“It’s fine, take all the time you need.” They both sighed simultaneously, and the call ended.
Amy thought, ‘Asking about Landon’s death might be too much for Kate now, but I need to know. I need to know exactly how and who took my brother from me. Only then will this void in my heart fill’
She gazed at the picture in her hand, tears welling up again.
“I miss you so much.” The tears flowed freely now.
“I promise you, whoever did this will join you soon. Even if it’s the last thing I do ” Amy vowed to avenge Landon’s death, her only reason to keep living.
Ryan returned, bringing a full roasted chicken, pepperoni pizza, mac and cheese, scrambled eggs, chocolates, and cookies.
Amy's eyes widened in astonishment. "You don't have to do this just because you feel bad."
Ryan's expression turned uncertain. "I just wanted to make you feel better. Did I do too much?"
Amy hesitated, not wanting to seem ungrateful. She pressed her lips together, silence seemed her best response.
Ryan was about to speak again when his phone rang, "Now? Okay!" He hung up, his tone abrupt.
"I have to go. I've cleared your bills, and I'll cover whatever you need for the next few days. I'll check on you whenever I can, okay?" Ryan said, already heading out the door.
Before Amy could utter a thank you, he was gone.
She gazed at the food tray , wondering what she would do with all the food?
The next few days Amy spent at the hospital felt like an eternity. Time stood still, and the world outside went on, leaving her trapped. Her mind, once vibrant and full of life, had shut down, like a paused movie. Every moment felt like a test of endurance.
Even eating became a mechanical act, fueling her body without satisfying her soul.
Four days passed in this emotional state. When discharge day arrived, Amy insisted on leaving, refusing the nurses' suggestions to stay longer.
The nurse's parting instructions faded into background noise as Amy gathered her medications and made a swift exit.
Leaping a little, she stepped outside, the bright sunlight almost blinding her.
She wondered how the world could shine so bright, when she had lost her spark.
The hospital's sign, "Hope's Medical Center," surprised and shocked her.
This was the city's most exclusive hospital, she imagined how much her rescuer had spent.
The mysterious benefactor's identity lingered in her thoughts, but she swiftly dismissed it.
"I don't care," she told herself, shielding her heart from unnecessary entanglements.
With a deep breath, Amy took her first steps into an uncertain future, her left knee aching in protest.
- Writer
