The night felt all too brief when May was jolted awake by the sound of the door opening and closing. Her heavy eyelids reluctantly parted.
"Good morning, dear. I hope you slept well." Nurse Sharon set the breakfast tray on the bedside table before drawing the curtains open.
The sudden burst of light stung May's eyes, eliciting only a grunt in response. Apparently, she wasn't a morning person.
Unfazed by May's lack of enthusiasm, Sharon bustled about, straightening blankets and fluffing pillows with practiced efficiency.
"Now then, let's get some nourishment in you," she said cheerfully, wheeling the tray closer. "We've got some lovely porridge and fresh fruit today."
With gentle but insistent hands, the nurse helped May into a semi-upright position, propping pillows behind her back.
She then stood expectantly by the bedside, her gaze making it clear she wouldn't leave until May started eating.
May nearly rolled her eyes. The bland-looking porridge was far from appetizing, and her stomach churned at the thought. She longed for a simple cup of black coffee instead. Surprisingly, she realized this preference was still intact. Could it be a sign of her memories returning?
"After not eating for a week, it's best to start with something light," the nurse explained. "You need the energy—both you and your baby."
Her baby... the concept still felt surreal to May. Inside her was another living being, and somewhere out there was its father—a partner she couldn't even remember.
Focusing on the present, May resolved to be a good mother. She'd need to reconsider her lifestyle, though she had no idea what that had been like before. Whatever she did now would have to account for the little life growing inside her.
Reluctantly, she picked up the spoon and began eating.
May disliked feeling watched and wondered if the nurse didn't have other patients to attend to. She consoled herself with thoughts of leaving the hospital today, hoping nothing would derail that plan.
While part of her felt apprehensive, especially since she wouldn't have a guard once she left the hospital, she was also curious about her home. She hoped that being in familiar surroundings might trigger some memories.
As May finished the last spoonful, Sharon nodded approvingly. "Well done. Now, let's prepare you for discharge. The doctor will be here shortly for a final check-up."
May's heart fluttered with mixed anticipation and anxiety as she watched the nurse gather her belongings and prepare the necessary paperwork. She also helped her carefully take the first steps out of bed and assisted her in getting dressed.
A gentle knock announced the doctor's arrival. Dr. Elliot, the same doctor from the day before, entered with a warm smile. "Good morning, Ms. Davies. How are you feeling today?"
"Quite all right," May replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "well, except for the amnesia."
The doctor conducted his examination, checking May's vitals and asking a series of questions.
"Everything looks good," he concluded, stepping back. "Your physical recovery is progressing well. As for your memory, it's not uncommon for amnesia patients to experience gradual recall. Being in familiar surroundings might help trigger some memories."
May nodded. "And... the baby?" she asked hesitantly.
Dr. Elliot's smile widened. "The baby is doing just fine. I've scheduled you for a follow-up appointment with our obstetrics department next week."
"All right, thank you, Doctor."
"No need to thank me. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please don't hesitate to come see us."
"I will." May paused, considering if she had any other questions. "Oh, one thing—do you happen to have my address? And could the hospital arrange a taxi for me?"
"Of course," Dr. Elliot nodded to the nurse, who quickly left, presumably to make the arrangements.
Despite her chattiness, Sharon proved quite efficient. She returned within minutes, handing May a note with her current address. "The keys to your apartment are in the bag with your other belongings. A taxi should be waiting in front of the hospital in about five minutes."
"Thank you... for everything," May said, shouldering her bag as she walked out.
She moved carefully, taking slow steps, unaccustomed to being on her feet. The taxi was already waiting at the hospital entrance when she arrived. The driver stepped out and opened the back door for her.
May nodded gratefully, placing her bag on the seat before getting in herself.
"May!" Just as her foot touched the car floor, a loud voice halted her. She turned to see Lilly running towards her from the parking lot, with Ian and Carter in tow.
Truthfully, May felt relieved she hadn't encountered her sister and the two men earlier. Dealing with them seemed too complicated while she was trying to regain her memories and figure out who was threatening her life.
She hesitated, one foot still in the taxi. Glancing at the driver apologetically she then turned back to face the approaching trio.
Ian and Carter hung back, allowing Lilly to take the lead. May noticed a flicker of something—concern? disappointment?—cross their faces as they observed her about to leave.
"May! Where are you going?" Lilly asked, slightly out of breath.
May couldn't help but take note of her sister`s weak physique. Just hurrying a few steps and she was already panting, with some sweat glistening on her forehead. The men at her side, seemed completely unfazed by the brief exertion, their athletic builds evident even under their casual attire.
May raised an eyebrow at the question. "Home." Wasn't that obvious?
"What about your wound? How can you just leave the hospital already?" Lilly questioned, her face etched with concern.
May sighed, feeling a headache coming on. "Thank you, but I'll be fine. The doctor cleared me to leave, and I really don't see the point of staying here any longer." Her gaze wandered from one to the other. "If those are your only concerns, I'll be leaving now."
With that, she turned to enter the taxi. Before she could take another step, however, an iron grip closed around her arm, halting her movement.
"You can't!"