UNBROKEN
Kristen woke up to the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor beside her bed. The hospital room was cold and sterile as usual, yet somehow it felt more peaceful than the mansion she was forced to call home. Her eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the soft light filtering through the blinds. Her body still ached, but the swelling on her ankle had drastically reduced.
She tried to sit up, but pain shot up her leg and into her spine, forcing a strangled gasp from her lips.
The door clicked open.
A doctor in a white coat stepped inside, clipboard in hand. He looked calm and collected, clearly used to delivering updates to patients who didn’t want to be there. “Mrs. Moretti,” he said with a polite nod as if the name belonged to her. As if it had ever been hers to claim.
Kristen’s jaw tensed at the title. She didn't correct him.
“I’ve reviewed your scans and labs,” he continued. “Your vitals have stabilized, and with more rest and medication, your sprain should heal complet
