As I slowly regained consciousness, the blinding white light overwhelmed my senses. I blinked several times, trying to make sense of my surroundings. Was I in heaven? My head pounded with excruciating pain, and my eyes felt raw and sensitive. I couldn't understand why everything was so white.
The sound of cheers made me wince, the noise piercing through my head like a thousand needles. "Aww," I groaned, trying to shield myself from the overwhelming noise.
"Oh my God, quiet, guys. She's awake," a voice said, and I recognized it as Cher's. Her comforting presence brought a sense of relief, even amidst the pain.
"She better be. She's been out for almost two days," another voice, Ace's, chimed in. Two days? I was in a coma for two days? The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, and I felt a mixture of shock and confusion.
As my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw that everyone was gathered around me, including Ace, Alex, and Cher, along with Cher's husband, Mario, who wore a police uniform. The sight of them brought a wave of emotions, and I tried to make sense of what had happened.
Next to Cher stood a doctor, introduced as Dr. Tam. He asked me if I remembered what happened, and I managed to groan, "Attacked. I got attacked by Leon."
The room fell silent, and I could see the concern in their eyes. Alex spoke up, seeking reassurance, "She remembers, that's a good thing, right, Doctor?"
Dr. Tam nodded with a small smile, "Yes, that's a positive sign. It's good to see her consciousness returning."
As my awareness slowly returned, I could piece together some memories of the attack and the events leading up to it. Fear and anxiety flooded me as I remembered the darkness and Leon's menacing presence.
Cher took my hand, her grip gentle yet reassuring. "You're safe now," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and concern. "We're all here for you."
The doctor continued his examination, asking me about my pain and monitoring my vitals. He assured me that I was in a hospital and that I was being taken care of.
The doctor his expression turned sympathetic as he started explaining the extent of my injuries from the attack. "You sustained a severe blow to the head, which caused a concussion and required stitches," he began gently. "You also have several bruises and contusions on your body, but fortunately, there are no signs of internal injuries."
I nodded, taking in the information with a mix of relief and concern. "Will I be okay? How long will it take to recover?"
The doctor offered a reassuring smile, "You will be okay, but it will take time. The concussion will require rest and careful monitoring. It's essential to avoid any strenuous activities or excessive screen time. The stitches will need time to heal, and the bruises will gradually fade with time. I would recommend you take it easy for at least a couple of weeks."
My heart sank as I considered the challenges that lay ahead. "What about taking care of myself during this time? My parents are out of the country," I whispered.
Before I could dwell on the situation, Cher chimed in, her voice warm and comforting, "Don't worry, Lily. We're all here for you to take care of you. You won't be alone in this."
Her words brought a sense of relief, knowing that I had the support of my friends during this difficult time. I was grateful for their presence, even if it meant being around Ace and Alex, whose presence still stirred conflicting emotions within me.
Once the doctor left, Ace informed us that they couldn't find Leon after the attack, and my heart started pounding with fear. "What do you mean you couldn't find him?" I asked, my voice shaking. "He's dangerous, and he threatened me too."
"We watched the security footage of nearby buildings," Mario explained, his face tense. "He seemed to disappear in thin air after the attack. The police is doing everything they can, but no one has seen him since that night."
"I'm scared," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. The uncertainty of his whereabouts added to my fear and vulnerability.
Alex reached out to hold my hand, offering comfort. "We are going to find him," he assured me firmly. "You won't have to worry about him for long."
"We will do everything we can to ensure your safety," Cher added, her voice resolute. "For now, I suggest you stay with us. You can stay in my old room, with my parents and brothers nearby."
"I don't want to be a burden," I protested, not wanting to impose on them, especially when I wasn't ready to face Ace and Alex properly.
"Don't make this harder on yourself, Lily," Ace said gently. "You need to focus on recovering, and it's best to do that with people around you who care."
"And my brothers volunteered to be your personal bodyguard," Cher added with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
Oh no.