*Chapter 5: The Revelation
324 Words
Sandra's eyes flickered open, and she was met with the harsh glare of fluorescent lights. She was in a hospital, the sterile smell of disinfectant and medicine filling her nostrils. A dull ache thumped in her head, and she winced as she tried to sit up.
A gentle hand pushed her back onto the pillows. "Easy, Sandra. You've been through a lot."
Sandra turned her head, and her eyes met those of an older woman, with kind eyes and a warm smile. "Who are you?" Sandra croaked, her throat dry.
"I'm Dr. Patel, Sandra. I've been taking care of you since you were brought in."
Sandra's mind was foggy, but memories began to flood back. Alexander, the police, the detective's words... "What happened?" she asked, her voice shaking.
"You had a breakdown, Sandra," Dr. Patel said gently. "You've been under a lot of stress, and it caught up with you."
Sandra's eyes welled up with tears as the memories came flooding back. "I don't know who I am," she whispered.
Dr. Patel took her hand. "You are Sandra Okafor, a journalist from Lagos. You were investigating a story, and things got complicated."
But Sandra's mind was racing. She remembered the detective's words, the feeling of unease. "No, there's more," she said, her voice growing stronger. "I need to know the truth."
Dr. Patel hesitated, and Sandra knew she was hiding something. "What is it?" Sandra demanded, her voice rising.
The doctor sighed. "There's a man, Sandra. He's been looking for you. He says he's your father."
Sandra's world spun around her. Her father? She didn't have a father. Or did she?
The door to her room opened, and a tall, imposing figure walked in. His eyes met Sandra's, and she felt a jolt of recognition.
"Hello, Sandra," he said, his voice low and familiar.
Sandra's heart was racing. Who was this man? And why did she feel like she'd known him all her life?
- Writer
