Lily sat on the edge of the hospital bed listening to the low sounds coming from the hallway. Footsteps moved back and forth. Voices spoke in short, urgent tones. She could not make out the words, but something felt off. The bruises on her body still ached, and every small movement reminded her of the beating she had taken.
The door opened and her doctor stepped inside. He closed it quietly behind him and gave her a calm look.
“Miss Robinson,” he said. “You have been discharged. Someone will pick you up soon.”
Lily raised her eyebrows. “I thought I needed another day or two.”
“The decision has been made,” the doctor replied. He pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. “These are the instructions for you to follow, when you get home. Keep the bruises clean. Us
