The faint hum of fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as she opened her eyes. The sterile scent of antiseptic hit her first, followed by the rhythmic beeping of monitors. A dull ache throbbed at the back of her head as she shifted slightly, her limbs feeling heavy.
"Miss, can you hear me?" a soft voice asked, pulling her from the haze. She blinked, her vision sharpening to see a nurse standing beside her, eyes wide with relief.
"Doctor! She's awake!" the nurse called toward the door, then turned back to her with a kind smile. "Don't try to move just yet, okay? You've been through a lot. The doctor will be here shortly."
Moments later, familiar footsteps entered the room. Maya's chest eased as she recognized the woman stepping in—a white coat, messy bun, and the determined stride she knew all too well.
"Clara," Maya croaked, her throat dry but voice steady.
Clara's face lit up with relief as she approached the bed. "Welcome back, sleeping beauty," she said, her tone warm but clinical. "How are you feeling? Any dizziness, nausea, or pain?"
"Just… tired," Maya murmured.
Clara nodded, pulling out a penlight. "Let's check your reflexes. Follow the light for me." She moved it back and forth, her sharp gaze studying Maya. "Any tingling in your hands or feet? Blurry vision? Trouble focusing?"
"No, I think I'm okay," Maya replied, her voice gaining strength.
Clara leaned back, a small smirk forming. "Good. No brain injury. So… maybe there's some brain improvement?"
Maya frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Clara shrugged, her grin widening. "Who knows? Lightning strikes are weird. You might've gained a photographic memory or turned into a math prodigy. Quick, what's the square root of 3,456,789?"
Maya groaned. "Clara, I swear—stop."
Clara chuckled, clearly amused. "Hey, I'm just trying to gauge the extent of your new abilities. If you start reciting Shakespeare in French or solving unsolvable equations, let me know."
Maya rolled her eyes. "You're impossible."
Clara laughed again, setting the clipboard aside. "Okay, fine. You've been unconscious for five days, but you're fine. I already called your husband and family—they're on their way. Just rest for now, okay?"
Maya sighed, letting Clara's familiar mix of teasing and reassurance settle her nerves. Trust Clara to turn even the strangest moments into something almost normal.