the visit

Mira opened her eyes slowly. The room was bright and white. Her head felt heavy, and when she tried to move, pain shot through her temples. A soft bandage wrapped around her forehead.

She blinked several times, trying to remember where she was. Then it came rushing back — the rain, the headlights, the sound of screeching tires.

She tried to sit up, but her arms felt weak.

Just then, a nurse walked into the room, holding a small metal tray. “Please, ma’am,” she said gently, walking closer. “Don’t sit up yet. You need to rest.”

Mira nodded weakly and leaned back against the pillow.

Before she could ask any questions, the door burst open. Ethan rushed in, followed by Chloe and a few of his friends.

Ethan’s expression looked tense as he hurried to her bedside. “Mira,” he said, his voice shaking slightly. “What happened? Are you okay?”

Mira stared at him, unsure how to feel. Was this sudden concern real, or just another act?

Before she could speak, Chloe moved quickly to her side. She sat down on the edge of the bed and took Mira’s left hand gently. “Mira,” she said sweetly, “we were so worried about you last night. We waited for you at the table, but you never came back. Then we got a call that you were admitted here.”

Chloe turned to glance at Ethan before continuing. “Ethan wanted to come last night, but I… well, I fell and twisted my ankle.” She gave a fake little laugh. “He stayed to take care of me. I told him I’d be fine, but he refused to leave me alone.”

Her words were soft, but her smile carried pride, not guilt.

Mira’s throat tightened. Tears filled her eyes as she looked at Ethan. “So,” she said quietly, “you waited until morning to come… because Chloe twisted an ankle, while I was lying here in a hospital bed?”

Chloe quickly spoke before Ethan could answer. “Mira, don’t be mad. He was only trying to help me. You know how kind he is.”

One of Ethan’s friends, Nathan, spoke up. “Come on, Mira. It’s your fault anyway. Why did you leave the party without telling anyone?”

Another friend joined in, crossing his arms. “Yeah, he’s right. You scared everyone. You should’ve told someone before walking out like that.”

Before the third could add anything, Ethan moved closer to Mira. He sat on the edge of the bed beside her and gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. His voice softened. “I’m sorry, Mira. I should’ve come sooner.”

Mira turned her face away, silent.

At that moment, the door opened again, and a man in a white coat walked in, holding a tray of medical instruments. His presence drew everyone’s attention.

“Excuse me,” he said politely, his tone calm but firm. “I’ll need to check on the patient now. Please, could you all wait outside for a few minutes?”

Ethan nodded and stood up. He placed a hand on Mira’s shoulder before walking out with Chloe and the others.

The doctor set the tray down and turned to Mira with a gentle smile. His features were sharp, his dark hair neatly brushed, his eyes calm and kind.

“Are you feeling any pain?” he asked.

Mira shook her head slowly. “I’m just tired.”

He nodded. “That’s normal. You went through a lot last night.”

She looked up at him, confusion flickering in her eyes. “How did I get here? The last thing I remember was… being hit by a car.”

The doctor sighed quietly. “That’s what I came to tell you.” He hesitated for a moment, then said, “I’m here to apologize. My younger brother was the one driving. He was drunk, and he hit you. I’m truly sorry for what happened.”

Mira blinked, her lips parting slightly. “Your brother?”

He nodded. “Yes. I made sure he turned himself in. But I wanted to meet you personally and make sure you’re okay.” He hesitated again, then extended his hand. “I’m Caleb.”

Mira looked at his hand, then slowly took it. “I’m Mira,” she said softly.

“I know,” he replied with a small smile. “Get some rest, Mira. You’re lucky it wasn’t worse.”

He picked up the tray and walked to the door. “I’ll let your friends back in now.”

She nodded, leaning back into the pillow as he left.

The door opened again, and Chloe stepped in alone. Her expression had changed. The fake worry on her face was gone, replaced with a smirk that curved her red lips.

She walked toward Mira slowly, her heels clicking against the floor. When she reached the bed, she leaned forward and whispered, “Well, Mira… I have a lot to say to you.”