THIRTY-ONE

She tore off the outer layer of foil, she couldn't help but smile at the sweet, familiar smell that emanated from the bar. It was like a tiny slice of heaven in the dreary hospital room.

With a slow and careful motion, Lyra peeled off the rest of the wrapper, her fingers sliding over the smooth chocolate surface. The sight of it made her mouth water, and she couldn't wait to take a bite. She brought the chocolate bar closer to her face, admiring the intricate design on the surface, and then slowly, she opened her mouth and took a bite.

She chewed, she savored the rich, velvety texture of the chocolate, letting it melt on her tongue. It was so smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness. The taste filled her mouth, and she couldn't help but close her eyes in bliss. For a moment, she forgot about everything else around her, lost in the simple pleasure of it, but then there was a sudden noise, startling her and a few othee patients with whom she shared the room.

Abby rushed in.

"Abby! You scared me," Lyra said, laughing.

"I'm sorry, Lyra. I didn't mean to startle you," Abby replied, looking apologetic.

Lyra shook her head and said, "It's okay. I'm just happy to see you."

Abby walked over to the bed and gave Lyra a hug. "I was only gone for a moment and this happened," she said, still holding on to her.

Lyra smiled and said, "I'm completely fine, Abby. Just a few scratches and luckily no broken bones."

Abby let go of Lyra and sat down on a nearby chair. "Thank goodness. I was so worried about you."

Lyra took a bite of her chocolate bar and asked Abby why she was at the hospital at this time of the day. "Shouldn't you be at work?" she said with a chuckle.

Abby rolled her eyes and said, "Work can wait. I had to come and check on younas Soon as I could or my mind would just be running places."

Lyra grinned and said, "Well, here you are now."

Abby looked at Lyra's hospital gown and wrinkled her nose.

"This place smells terrible. Here, I brought you something." She reached into her bag and pulled out a scented squishy ball.

Lyra took it from her and squeezed it, feeling the pleasant aroma of lavender fill her nose.

"This is great."

The ward was not too big, yet cozy. The walls were painted in a soft shade of blue and there were large windows that allowed natural light to stream into the room. Despite the pleasant color scheme, the room still smelled heavily of antiseptic.

There a few essential items including a bed, a small table with a lamp, and a bedside cabinet. On the wall opposite the bed, there was a mounted TV and next to it was a large notice board, which contained information about the hospital, along with posters about health and wellness.

Lyra's bed was positioned in the middle of the room, with white crisp sheets and a fluffy pillow. The bed was adjustable, allowing Lyra to find the most comfortable position to rest.

Despite the cozy appearance, the room still held an air of sadness and discomfort. The sound of beeping machines, nurses shuffling around, and patients groaning in pain made it evident that the ward was a place of healing and recovery.

Lyra could see through the window and observe people walking around, a few in their white coats, nurses pushing trolleys of medicine and various medical supplies.

The other beds in the ward were occupied by patients of various ages, genders and backgrounds. They were all hooked up to various machines, with wires and tubes attached to them. Some were asleep, while others were watching television.

"You can't just go around getting into accidents like this, Lyra. You have to be more careful."

Lyra sighed and said, "I know, Abby. I'll be more careful from now on. I promise."

Abby nodded and looked around the room. "So, what have you been doing all day?"

Lyra shrugged and said, "Not much, just resting. I ate some hospital food, watched some TV, and talked to some of the nurses. They're really nice here."

Abby looked at the chocolate bar in Lyra's hand and said, "Is that all you've eaten? You need to take care of yourself, Lyra."

Lyra rolled her eyes and said, "Yes, Mom. I'll eat more. Don't worry."

”But why do you seem to be in an especially good mood though, I mean for someone who was in an accident."

Lyra looked at Abby and gave a confused chuckled.

"What do you mean? Should I be ‘especially' depressed?"

Abby shook her head, “ Oh no no, just that your mood is so differently light and refreshing.”

‘You bet,’ Aurora said inwardly. A golden first plan to start exerting her revenge on her tormentors jad finally fallen on her laps, of course she'd be happy.

Lyra smiled, “It's probably you giving ke the butterflies,” she teased the two chuckled.

"So, who brought you to the hospital?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

Lyra hesitated for a moment, not sure if she wanted to.tell Abby what exactly happened yet, or that the hospital hadn't been her first stop after the accident.

"I'm not sure," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It must have been the person who hit me, or maybe a good Samaritan."

Abby's expression changed.

"What? You don't know who brought you here? Lyra, that's insane! What if something had happened to you on the way here?"

"I'm okay, Abby, really. I don't remember much about the accident, but I remember waking up here in the hospital. The doctors have been taking good care of me."

Abby's expression softened as she listened to Lyra's words. "I'm just glad you're okay," she said, squeezing Lyra's hand.

"But you have to promise me that you'll be more careful in the future."

Lyra smiled weakly at Abby. "I promise, Abby. I'll be more careful from now on. I don't want to worry you like this again."

"You should get back to work, Abby. Don't waste any more time with me," Lyra said, trying to sound as convincing as possible.

Abby shook her head. "I can't just leave you here all alone. What if you need something?"

Lyra smiled at her friend's concern. "Don't worry, Abby. I'll be fine. Besides, you don't want to get queried on top of everything else that's happening."

Abby sighed and nodded her head, knowing Lyra was right. "Okay, fine. But you have to promise to call me if you need anything. And I mean anything, okay?"

Lyra nodded, smiling. "I promise."

Abby leaned over and gave Lyra a gentle hug. "Take care of yourself, okay? I'll come back to check on you later."

Lyra hugged Abby back and whispered, "Thank you,”

With one last look, Abby reluctantly left the hospital room, closing the door behind her.