The Hospital

Beep, beep, beep.

The rhythmic sound of the monitor stirred something deep within me. It wasn’t the soft whisper of sleep or the gentle lull of a dream.

It was sharper jarring, like the universe was pulling me out of something I wasn’t ready to leave behind.

My eyelids fluttered open and blinding white lights stabbed at my vision, and for a moment, I panicked, unsure of where I was.

The sterile smell of antiseptic and the faint hum of medical machines soon brought it all into focus.

Was i in an hospital.

Alive.

But how?

I pushed myself up, slowly, my limbs trembling.

As a dull ache pulsed through my body, but it wasn’t the kind of pain I expected.

Instinctively, my hand flew to my chest, fingertips brushing the area where the knife Sarah's had plunged deep into me.

But all I felt was smooth skin and no wound or scar.

My heart skipped.

My hands moved lower, pressing against my abdomen which was Flat and empty.

No gentle swell or fluttering kicks there was nothing.

I sucked in a shaky breath.

My lips parted to speak, but all I could manage was a whisper. "What is going on?"

"You’re awake," a woman said, stepping into the room.

And I turned sharply toward the voice.

A nurse, dressed in light blue scrubs, walked in with a clipboard in hand scribbling some things down before she finally glanced up, and looked startled by my wide eyes and pale face.

"Goodness, you look like you saw a ghost," she muttered please don’t scare me like that."

"What’s... the date?" My voice cracked as I asked her, the question barely audible.

She raised a brow, pausing at the foot of the bed and looking me over probably thinking I was insane before replying"January 10th, 2024."

I blinked rapidly, my breath hitching. That couldn’t be.

That was five years ago.

"No," I whispered, my voice growing desperate. "It can’t be please are you sure very sure I asked again still doubting?"

She tilted her head, clearly concerned now.

Yes I am sure ma'am

"You were brought in after collapsing from a sugar overload.

You do remember eating almost half a tub of it, right knowing fully well you were allergic to it?

We had to flush your system, and you nearly gave yourself a seizure."

I gripped the sheets beneath me tightly, my knuckles whitening, the icing.

I remembered that.

It was the night Matthew didn’t come home for our first anniversary.

The night I cried so hard I thought I might drown in my own tears , and In a moment of weakness, I consumed everything in sight, the icing included.

Which was very foolish of me

Then again this still did not answer my questions because that night was five years ago.

So how was I here again?

I sat there, frozen, as the weight of realization settled over me.

"I reincarnated," I breathed out silently.

The nurse blinked. "I’m sorry did you say something?"

But I shook my head, not bothering to explain because I knew she wouldn't believe me.

Hell, I barely believed it myself.

My fingers trembled as I reached for the phone on the side table. I scrolled through contacts and dialed the one name that made my chest tighten.

My father.

One ring, two before he finally picked it on the third ring..

"Hello?"

His voice.

Warm,familiar and alive.

Tears welled in my eyes instantly.

"Father..." I called while crying uncontrollably

"Selene? Sweetheart, why are you crying? What happened? Did Matthew say something to you again?"

I sobbed, holding the phone to my chest for a moment before replying. "No, no... I just... I missed you Pa and I needed to hear your voice."

His voice softened. "Well, I’m here and you know you can always talk to me, baby.

So come home, okay? and let’s have dinner tonight.

It’s been too long since we bonded."

I nodded fervently, though he couldn’t see me.

"Yes, Father. I’ll come. I promise."

I ended the call and pressed the phone to my forehead, the tears falling freely now. This time, I wouldn’t waste it. I would cherish him while I could.

At this time the nurse had already left and I was about to stand up from the bed as the e door swung open.

I looked up, startled.

As two women entered the room, their faces far too familiar and annoying as they approached me.

Mata, with her ever-critical eyes and sharp tongue.

And Sarah the same woman who had once smiled before stabbing me in the chest.

"You’re still here?" Mata snapped. "Get up. You have things to do at home.

Don’t think lying here excuses you from your responsibilities."

She stormed toward the bed and grabbed my wrist.

"Get off me!" I growled, yanking my hand free.

She gasped, shocked by my resistance.

"Excuse me?" she spat, reaching for me again.

This time, I shoved her.

Hard.

Mata stumbled backward, her heels catching the edge of the rug and she crashed to the floor with a loud thud, letting out a pained groan.

Immediately Sarah rushed to her side to assist her while staring at me in a menacing way.

"Mata! Are you okay?" She questioned as she shot me a sharp look. "What is wrong with you?!"

I stood slowly, my eyes cold and steady. "What’s wrong with me?

I should be asking that question

Because what exactly is wrong with you people?!

Always controlling me, criticizing me, and treating me like a slave.

Do you guys take me for a fool, like someone you can talk to any how I replied them my voice high toned.

Then I paused as I turned to look at both of their shocked faces before continuing.

Well whatever because I am not going to be accepting shits like this from you guys and less I forget I was about going out before you two barged in like wild dogs

And Mata don't bother taking the cheque you stole to the bank because you would be arrested.

And her faced turned red as pulled herself up.

"You’ve gone mad she barked! And Matthew will hear about this."

I folded my arms with a smug smile. " well that's good and please also let him know that I’ll be filing for divorce so he should be prepared for a court case.."

Sarah froze, her mouth falling open. "You can’t be serious."

"Oh, I’m very serious I replied enjoying the look on their faces

Ok then I am leaving so you guys should clean up after you done I said as I walked to the door in my hospital gown while picking up my dress on the rack, and then paused, and glanced back.

"And Sarah... enjoy being with the leftovers.

And there after I slammed the door shut silencing their reply.