in coma
: Becca*
*Early November*
The atmosphere was crisp and chilly, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and damp earth. Office buildings stood tall, their windows gleaming in the pale morning light. Becca, dressed in her professional attire, walked out of the office, her heels clicking on the pavement. She checked her watch, anxious about an upcoming job interview.
As she waited to cross the road, lost in thought, a speeding vehicle careened around the corner. Time seemed to slow. The sound of screeching tires, shattering glass, and a sickening thud filled the air. Becca's world went dark.
Days blurred together. Becca's mind drifted in and out of consciousness. She floated in a void, unsure where she was or what had happened. Fragments of memories danced before her eyes: the office, the job search, the road... The pain was distant, a dull ache.
Suddenly, the sound of beeping machines and gentle footsteps interrupted her haze. A nurse's voice whispered, "Time to check your temperature, dear." The touch of a thermometer, the gentle adjustment of her blankets.
The nurse left, and the room fell silent. Then, footsteps echoed again. A familiar face appeared, distorted by worry and tears.
*Third Day in Hospital*
Becca's eyes fluttered open. Rachel's face came into focus, but her expression was unclear.
"Hey, girl.. I'm so sorry... I should have looked well..." But Rachel's tone turned harsh, "What were you thinking, crossing the road like that?Are You always so careless."
Becca tried to respond, but her voice was barely a whisper.
Rachel continued, "You were looking for a job, right? Well, guess what? The man who hit you... he's your new boss. Isn't that ironic?"
Becca's mind reeled, struggling to process the information.
Becca slowly recovered from her injuries, but her friend Rita's searches yielded nothing. The man, determined to keep Becca isolated, ensured Rita couldn't find her.
Days passed, and Becca's memories returned. She wondered why Rita hadn't visited.
Finally, Rita traced Becca's bracelet to the accident scene and eventually found her at the hospital. Overjoyed, Rita rushed to Becca's side, tears streaming down her face.
But their reunion was short-lived. The man intervened, forbidding Rita from visiting Becca again.
With Rita barred from visiting, the man offered Becca a job. "Clean up my business's financial records," he said, his tone cold.
Becca hesitated, sensing something amiss.
Rachel delivered the man's ultimatum: "If you refuse, he'll make you pay your hospital bill. You can't afford it."
Becca felt trapped. The man's offer seemed like a lifeline, and how could she pay the bills of a VIP room in this hospital but at what cost?
Beocca's eyes welled up with tears as she stared at her reflection. Her long, luscious hair, a symbol of her identity and connection to her past, was about to be severed. The man's demand seemed cruel, but she had no choice.
The hair, which had grown since childhood, held stories of her mother's loving care and the legend of an elder sister she had never known.
As she sat in the salon chair, Becca felt a pang of loss. Cutting her hair would sever the last tangible link to her mysterious sister and their shared heritage.
Rachel stood beside her, eyes filled with empathy. "It's just hair, Becca. You'll grow it back."
But Becca knew it was more than that. Her hair represented hope, connection, and a dream of reuniting with the sister she had never known.
The stylist's scissors snapped shut, and Becca's locks fell to the floor. Tears streamed down her face as she gazed at her new reflection.
Next, they took her to a clothing store, where she was dressed in an all-black ensemble, complete with a hoodie. The outfit felt oppressive, suffocating.just five minutes after that was she ordered to get in the car by Rachel going were she asked trembling to the penthouse Rachel casually replied
At the penthouse, a lavish meal awaited her: grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, and a glass of wine. But Becca's appetite was gone, replaced by anxiety.
As she ate, she noticed the staff wore the same black attire and sported identical hairstyles. A chill ran down her spine.
After dinner, they set off into the night, destination unknown. Fear gripped Becca's heart.
"Where are we going?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Rachel's response sent shivers down Becca's spine: "The Dead Zone."
Becca's eyes widened in horror.
To Be Continued in Part Two...