Chapter 46

Chapter 46

The room smelled faintly of lavender and antiseptic. The morning light slipped through the sheer curtains, casting golden patterns on the soft white bedsheets. Pinky stirred slightly, her body still sore from the surgery. The pain wasn’t as sharp as it had been the first few days, but it lingered like a dull throb, especially around her abdomen.

Her eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the light. She blinked a few times, staring at the ceiling as she tried to gather her thoughts. Her hair was tied loosely in a bun, and a soft beanie covered her scalp for warmth. The bandages under her hospital gown itched sometimes, but she knew better than to scratch.

Pinky reached out her hand to the bedside table and took the small bell Alicia had left her. She rang it once, softly. Moments later, Alicia stepped in, holding a tray with her morning medication and a warm glass of water.

"Good morning, Pinky," Alicia greeted gently, setting the tray down on the bedside table.

"Morning," Pinky replied in a low voice, her throat dry.

Alicia handed her the water, and Pinky took slow sips. "You slept well?"

"As well as I could," she answered, giving a small, tired smile.

Alicia adjusted the pillows behind her back, helping her sit up gently. She then handed her the medication, which Pinky swallowed without complaint.

"Breakfast will be ready soon. Oatmeal and fruit today," Alicia said.

"Okay." Pinky leaned her head back, gazing at the ceiling. "Any news from Katarina?"

"Not yet. But she should be back soon," Alicia replied, brushing a loose strand of hair behind Pinky’s ear.

The day moved slowly. After breakfast, Alicia wheeled in a small cart filled with books, a sketchpad, and colored pencils. Pinky wasn’t in the mood to draw today, though she appreciated the gesture. She opted to pick up one of the light novels instead. Her fingers turned the pages slowly, but her eyes were barely focused.

The truth was, she felt heavy. Not just physically, but emotionally. Her role in Annabel’s abduction haunted her. She didn't have to be told what happene. She knew her brother well. She hadn't asked for the girl to be hurt or her child, but it had happened, and the guilt weighed on her chest like a stone.

Around noon, Alicia helped her out of bed and into the armchair near the window. It was their little routine. She would sit there for an hour or two, soaking in the sunlight while Alicia prepared lunch or tidied the room.

"Do you want me to open the window a little?" Alicia asked.

"Just a crack," Pinky replied.

The breeze that slipped in was cool and smelled faintly of gardenias from the nearby garden. Pinky inhaled deeply and closed her eyes.

"You’re improving," Alicia said softly, bringing over a blanket to drape over her legs. "Your vitals are stronger. You might even be able to walk around soon."

Pinky gave a slow nod, her fingers picking at the edge of the blanket.

"I want to see Raffaele," she said suddenly, her voice soft but firm.

Alicia looked surprised but nodded. "I'll let him know."

"Not right now... just soon. I want to talk to him."

"Of course."

Lunch came a little after that. Creamy soup and soft bread. Alicia helped her eat, making small talk about the weather and some of the staff’s mishaps in the kitchen. Pinky smiled occasionally, but mostly listened. Her mind kept drifting back to Raffaele and Annabel.

After lunch, she rested again. This time, Alicia played soft piano music from a speaker. Pinky dozed lightly, the gentle notes lulling her into a shallow sleep. Her dreams were fragmented. Flashes of Annabel, lying unconscious. Raffaele’s furious face. Katarina’s fearful face. Probably from fearing her brother. She woke with a small start, her breath catching in her throat. Although they thought she didn't know what happened, she could see it but just as usual, she had her silent attacks where she was unconscious but not conscious.

Alicia was by her side in a second. "Nightmare?"

Pinky nodded. Her eyes were moist, but no tears fell. Alicia simply took her hand and held it.

As evening approached, the routine continued. Alicia helped her wash up with warm water and scented cloths. Pinky changed into fresh pajamas—a soft pink set with tiny embroidered butterflies. She looked at herself in the mirror for a moment, noting how pale and thin she had become.

She returned to her bed and watched as Alicia dimmed the lights and turned on the bedside lamp. Dinner was light—mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and some grilled chicken.

"Are you still okay with the pain meds tonight?" Alicia asked.

"Yeah. Just a little. Enough to sleep."

Alicia handed her the pills and water again. Pinky took them silently.

Later, as Alicia tucked her in, Pinky turned to face her.

"Do you think... he’ll forgive me?"

Alicia was quiet for a long moment. "Raffaele loves fiercely. And he protects even more fiercely. But he also listens when it matters. You should talk to him."

Pinky nodded and turned her face into the pillow. Alicia turned off the bedside lamp, leaving the room bathed in soft shadows. As the door clicked shut, Pinky stared out the window, her mind a storm of regret, hope, and quiet determination.

Tomorrow, she would ask to see Raffaele.