The morning sunlight spilled into the room, warming Nicole’s face as she sat quietly, her fingers brushing the bandage around her wrist.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. The doctor, dressed in her crisp white coat and with an air of gentle authority, walked in, holding a clipboard.
“You’re being discharged today, Mrs. Fury,” the doctor said, her tone as professional as ever.
Nicole straightened, nodding. “Thank you, Doctor.”
The doctor hesitated briefly before continuing. “Since no one came to sign your discharge papers, you’ll need to take care of it yourself. Head to the billing counter when you’re ready.”
The words hit Nicole like a slap, a reminder of how alone she had become. “Of course,” she murmured, masking the pain with a tight smile.
She gathered her few belongings a
