CHAPTER 5: The Past Comes Knocking
1208 Words
Cassie woke up the next morning with that same soft glow behind her eyelids. Every time she opened her eyes she still hoped something would magically appear. A shape. A shadow. A blur. Anything. Instead she was met with the same darkness that felt too heavy for someone her age.
The nurse entered quietly and the footsteps were the only clue Cassie had that she was not alone. The scent of lavender disinfectant followed the nurse like a trail.
Good morning dear. How is your head.
Cassie gave a small smile. I guess it is still attached so that is good.
She always tried to lighten the air for the people around her because she hated when they spoke to her in that pity voice. It made her feel like she had already lost.
The nurse helped her sit up. The hospital bed felt too soft and too expensive for her. Like she was a guest in a place she had no business being. Cassie felt around for the cup of water on the side table and something in her chest pinched when her fingers hit the empty air.
I moved it closer. Let me guide your hand.
Cassie let her. She hated feeling helpless but she needed to drink something to get rid of the dryness in her throat.
As she sipped the water her mind drifted to her life before the accident. Before the ambulance ride. Before she ended up in the most expensive hospital in the city. Her university days felt like a dream now. She was studying Mass Communication and Journalism. She had hopes of becoming an investigative reporter who could expose corruption and tell stories that mattered.
Her lecturers always praised her. She had a voice people listened to. She had a sharp mind. She had a future so bright that sometimes even she could not picture it fully. Now even the idea of walking across a room felt like a mountain.
Still she could not bring herself to give up on education. She wondered if there were methods for blind students to continue their studies. Audio lectures. Assistive tech. A guide. Something. She needed something. She did not want her mind to rot simply because her eyes betrayed her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of someone knocking lightly on the door. The knock was firm and polite. Not the hesitant type from nurses trying not to disturb her. This one belonged to someone who walked through the world with confidence.
Cassie instinctively sat straighter.
A voice she did not recognize spoke. Good morning Miss Cassandra. May I come in.
She nodded. The nurse stepped aside and the visitor approached with calm measured steps.
My name is Duke. I work with the hospital administration. The owner would like a moment to speak with you.
Cassie froze a little. She had heard the nurses whisper Jason Maxine’s name more than once. Everyone in the building respected him with the kind of fear that money and power naturally demanded. He was the invisible presence whose influence moved everything and everyone.
Why would he want to talk to her. She was nobody. A student who could not even pay her bill. A girl who woke up one day with darkness instead of vision.
Before she could question anything the door opened again and this time the air itself seemed to shift. She could feel it. A different energy. The room tightened like someone important had just entered.
Jason stood near the foot of the bed. He did not speak at first. Cassie could feel his gaze on her. That same quiet studying observation he had in the previous chapter. Something about him made her stomach twist in a strange way. Not fear exactly. More like being seen too clearly.
How are you feeling today Cassie.
His voice came out smooth. Deep. Controlled in a way that made her listen without thinking.
I am fine. Or as fine as a blind girl can be.
Duke inhaled awkwardly but Jason did not react. Instead he pulled a chair closer and took a seat beside her bed. She felt the mattress dip slightly from the shift in weight of the bedframe.
I reviewed your file. Your progress is stable but your recovery will take time. I spoke with the surgeons myself.
Cassie tilted her head. You spoke with them personally. Why.
Jason leaned forward slightly. Because I need to understand everything about the people who enter my hospital.
She blinked in surprise. I am not sure that makes sense. I am not exactly important.
Jason paused for a moment as if choosing whether to speak further. Then he said something that felt too heavy to be casual.
You matter more than you think.
Before Cassie could respond someone knocked on the open doorframe. Another voice called from the hallway. Sir the board meeting is starting. They are waiting.
Cassie recognized this voice as another new character and mentally noted it. She would ask for the name later if needed.
Jason did not stand immediately. His attention remained on Cassie.
I need to leave but I will return. There are things we need to discuss.
When he and Duke left the room Cassie felt like she could finally breathe again. The silence felt too thick so she pressed her fingers to her temples.
The nurse spoke softly. You look overwhelmed.
That is one word for it.
The nurse chuckled. Jason Maxine has that effect. Even the doctors freeze when he walks past.
Cassie let out a small laugh. Well I am blind so I am immune to being intimidated by looks.
The nurse snorted. Trust me he does not need looks to intimidate anyone.
Cassie lay back and sank into the pillows. She kept thinking about the voice that called Jason sir. Something about it felt familiar. She could not place it but it stirred a memory deep inside her chest.
A few moments passed and the nurse slipped out, leaving Cassie alone with her thoughts.
She began tracing shapes on the blanket with her fingers. She imagined her future again. School. Writing. Surviving without sight. She did not want to depend on anyone. She wanted to stand on her own even if she had to crawl for a while.
As she was lost in thought the door opened again and soft footsteps entered. These were different. Lighter. Softer. Almost hesitant. Cassie frowned.
Hello. Who is that.
The person hesitated. Then spoke with a gentle voice.
You do not know me but I know you. I came because I needed to confirm something for myself.
Cassie swallowed. Her pulse thudded. And who exactly are you.
The stranger stepped closer and Cassie felt a familiar scent. Her entire body tensed.
I am someone who knew you before this accident. Someone who knows why you should be very careful around Jason Maxine.
Cassie stiffened. Why would you say that.
Because there are things about your past. And things about his past. And the truth is that your lives were connected long before you realized.
Cassie’s breath caught in her chest.
Connected how.
The stranger leaned closer and whispered.
Because you were never brought here by accident.
And everything went cold.
- Writer
