Valery removed the wrap from his arm, careful not to tug at his skin. She glanced at the screen and read aloud, “Blood pressure’s stable at 118/76… oxygen normal, pulse steady.” She smiled softly. “You’re not having any reactions either, so for now, I’d say we’re good.”She packed the machine neatly back into its box and glanced at him. “Wanna take a shower and then go to bed?”Ryan’s lips curved into a smirk. “Are you going to bathe me like the last time?”“You could barely move the last time,” she shot back, raising a brow at him.But before she could roll her eyes properly, Ryan suddenly hissed, clutching his head with a wince of pain.“Hey, what’s wrong? Is it your head?” Valery switched from sarcastic doctor to full-blown panic in a single breath, her hands hovering near his temples.“It’s… it’s…” Ryan’s breathing quickened, and he leaned heavily into the couch cushions, eyes fluttering shut as though losing consciousness.“I don’t get it; your vitals were fine just a minute ago.
Valery had never woken up to this many people in her house. It was noisy and bustling, thanks to someone in particular. “This reminds me of the good old days,” Margret yelled over the music as she danced her way around the kitchen. Making breakfast turned out to be chaotic. There was flour everywhere - courtesy of Ryan and Valery bickering about who got to make the pancakes.“Play nicely, children,” Margret mocked, still nibbling on the bacon she was supposed to plate.“Well, he started it,” Valery grumbled, wiping batter from her cheek.“Are you really going to wrestle with him? He’s sick, don’t make him worse,” Margret scolded, cracking eggs into a pan. Ryan stuck out his tongue, mocking Valery’s frustrated glare.Later, they piled around the table, sharing the breakfast spread.“Mhn, how about we watch a movie afterwards and play some games?” Margret suggested brightly.“Is that needed?” Valery asked, arching a brow.“Val, you don’t always have to be a party pooper. Ryan has a day
Derrick poured himself another shot of whiskey, downing it with one quick toss. He was naked, panting, staring at the bed where his masterpiece lay. 'I should have done this sooner', he thought, wiping sweat from his brow.His hand moved to the side table, fingers brushing against the cool leather of his belt. Slowly, he picked it up and returned to the bed. Issabel lay there. Bruises bloomed along her arms and chest, bright against her caramel skin.Derrick grabbed her by the hair, lifting her head just enough to see her face.“You did not lie,” he said, his voice slurred yet sharp with cruelty. “I’m really enjoying myself.”“Leo… it’s not supposed to… hurt this much,” she whimpered. This wasn't what she meant by trying something new.“It hurts?” Derrick tilted his head, feigning remorse. “Don’t worry, Violet. Your reward will be great. I’m already swelling down there again. Can we go for another round?” “No…” she croaked, turning her head away. What should have been mere hours of f
“Woah… that’s the second.”Valery sat up straight, staring at random objects around the bathroom as if hoping they might anchor her wandering mind. “This should stop happening. I’m not single,” she added quietly, sounding more like she was reminding herself than scolding Ryan.“Sure - be loyal to someone who cheated on you throughout your entire relationship when you were younger,” Ryan mocked.“Just as you said - when we were younger,” Valery countered sharply. Her fingers tightened around the towel she was wringing out. “Derrick is focused now. Disciplined. Such improvements don’t deserve me being unfaithful.”“Then I guess you’re still shallow and blind.” Ryan’s voice was flat, his expression unreadable as he leaned his head back against the cold tub. “It was just a harmless kiss. Be glad I didn’t try it when Riley was around.”“…” That bit caught Valery off guard. The mention of Riley, spoken so casually from Ryan’s lips, rattled something deep inside her. She quickly turned off t
Valery finally managed to get Ryan in the tub. She got the hoodie off, but her eyes were a little evasive.“Excuse me, but I… have to take these off as well,” she said, fingers hesitating at his waistband. She glanced at Ryan for some kind of approval. She could almost swear that frail face gave off a smirk."Go on, Doc. No need to be afraid of a gun that hasn't fired in years," he murmured.‘Ah, right, the drugs have such side effects. Then it should be fine.’ Valery exhaled, hiding her nerves with the most professional look. She gradually succeeded in getting him naked. Her heart seemed to stop for a moment as she processed that fact.She picked up the wet towel, starting with his hands. Peeking down, she noticed no catheter tube. Relief mixed with worry.“Did you yank the urine tube out?” She looked up at him sharply. Again, there was that sly grin.“You’re not allowed to hurt yourself like this. How are you still so careless!” Valery scolded him for what felt like forever.Ryan ju
Ryan was soaked. His lips trembled from the cold, but he said nothing. Valery struggled to keep him upright as she guided him inside, shutting out the storm behind them. She could feel his weight leaning heavily on her shoulder.“Sit down here, okay?” She gently lowered him onto the couch. Water dripped from his hair onto the carpet, pooling at his bare feet. His hospital gown was gone, replaced with thin sweatpants and an old grey hoodie. Where had he gotten those? Did he steal them? Did someone help him escape?“Ryan… talk to me. How did you get out?” She flicked on the lamp, revealing his face fully. There were dark circles under his eyes, his skin pale with exhaustion. She noticed fresh needle marks along his inner arm.“Did they discharge you? Did someone hurt you?” Her voice cracked with worry.He only shook his head weakly, blinking as though the light burned. Slowly his eyes rose to meet hers. They were clouded, distant. Then, in a hoarse whisper, he spoke:"How dare you decei