THE HOSPITAL AGAIN
Elena's POV
The next morning came with a dull ache in my ankle and an even heavier one in my head. I blinked against the sunlight slipping through my curtains, feeling like I barely slept.
Ugh… my swollen ankel still hurts like hell.
The maid entered with a tray.
"Good morning, miss. Should I get your breakfast here?"
I nodded, still half-asleep. "Yeah… just bring it here."
I sat up slowly, wincing as pain shot up my leg. The bandage had loosened a bit during the night, and the swelling looked worse than yesterday.
I reached for my phone. First thing I did was text my friends about school. I only told them that I had fallen yesterday, my ankle was swollen, and I wouldn't be coming in today. Nothing more. I didn't want them to worry unnecessarily. After sending the message, I
saw the " grumpy guy " name in my chatlist.
I opened our chat anyway.
The message I sent last night — 'Hey, this is Elena. I just wanted to thank you for helping me.'
It was still left on seen.
Seen. Nothing else.
I let out a small sigh and threw the phone aside.
"Ugh, that grumpy guy… couldn't even type a simple 'you're welcome'?" I muttered under my breath.
Why do I even care?
It's not like we're friends or anything.
But still…
The maid returned with breakfast.
"Here, miss. Should I call madam?"
"No, I'm fine. Mom must be busy."
I ate a few bites, but my appetite just wasn't there.
I ended up scrolling through my phone instead — news, random reels.
Mom came in a few minutes later, smiling. "Good morning, sweetheart. How's the ankle?"
"Still hurts," I replied.
She frowned, "You should stay in bed today. No unnecessary walking."
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere," I said, forcing a smile.
After she left, I laid back again, holding my phone.
After sometime
I tried to get up to go to the washroom. The maids weren't around yet, and I didn't want to wait. Each step was slow and careful, leaning heavily on the counter for support.
But the universe clearly wasn't done with me. My foot slipped on the wet tiles — the pain shot up my leg instantly. I collapsed to the floor, clutching my swollen ankle. Tears stung my eyes as I struggled to move. I winced in pain .The throbbing was unbearable, and panic started creeping in.
I managed to drag myself toward the phone, calling for help in a weak, trembling voice. Soon, someone had arrived to take me to the hospital. The ride was a blur, every bump in the car sending fresh jolts of pain through my ankle.
At the hospital, the nurses were quick and efficient. My ankle was re-bandaged tightly, the swelling noted, and I was helped onto a bed. I could feel the exhaustion settle over me. My ankle throbbed, my head ached.
Lying on the hospital bed, I stared at the ceiling. The fluorescent lights above flickered slightly, harsh and unwelcoming. I let out a quiet groan, half-laughing at my own misfortune, half-crying. "Of course… this had to happen," I whispered. "One fall wasn't enough, clearly."
Then mom and dad came with Amelia
Mom rushed to my side, eyes filled with worry.
"Oh, my baby…" she whispered, holding my hand tightly.
Then her tone changed to half-scolding, half-concerned.
"Elena, if you needed to go to the washroom, you should've called me or at least one of the maids. What was the need to go alone?"
She brushed my hair back gently and kissed my forehead.
"Now don't move at all. Just rest, okay?"
Dad was standing near the end of the bed, arms crossed, pretending to look serious.
"You're so careless, Elena," he said in a teasing but concerned voice.
"Do I need to hire someone just to take care of you now?"
Amelia entered the room right after, smirking as usual.
"Yeah, she's literally a baby. Smaller than me! Just get her a babysitter," she said with exaggerated drama.
Everyone laughed, including Mom. For a moment, the room didn't feel so cold anymore.
Mom shook her head. "Alright, that's enough teasing. Let her rest now."
Dad leaned closer, adjusting the blanket over me.
"If you need anything, tell the nurse immediately, okay?"
I nodded quietly.
As they started leaving, Mom gave me one last gentle smile before closing the door behind her.
Just a few minutes after Mom, Dad, and Amelia left, the door opened again.
Jaiz and Mike walked in, both looking a little out of breath — probably from rushing.
Jaiz crossed her arms, pretending to look angry.
"Seriously, Elena? How can someone be this clumsy?" she said, shaking her head.
Mike, on the other hand, looked more worried than annoyed.
"Are you okay?" he asked softly, stepping closer to my bed.
I raised an eyebrow and pointed at my bandaged ankle.
"Do I look okay to you?" I replied with a small grin, trying to lighten the mood.
They both laughed a little, but I could see the worry still written all over their faces.
Mike set a small fruit basket on the table beside me while Jaiz adjusted my blanket like a mom.
For a moment, my eyes drifted toward the door.
I don't even know why… maybe I was expecting to see him standing there.
But no one else came in.
Of course not. Why would that grumpy guy show up here anyway?
He probably doesn't even care.
I sighed quietly and looked back at my friends.
They stayed for a few more minutes, talking about random things — school, assignments, gossip — trying to make me laugh.
When it was time for them to leave, Jaiz smiled and said, "Get well soon, idiot."
Mike added with a small chuckle, "And please, next time—try not to fight the floor."
I laughed softly as they waved goodbye and left the room.
Once the door closed again, silence filled the space.
I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts slowly slipping back to him… and before I knew it, my eyelids felt heavy.
Sleep finally took over.
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