chapter 8: The unrevealing truth

I slowly opened my eyes to find myself in a hospital bed, a foreign and frightening environment. As I struggled to sit up, my mom rushed to my side, her face etched with worry and tears. 'Oh, baby, who did this to you?' she asked, her voice trembling with emotion.When my mom left the room, the doctor turned to me with a concerned expression and asked, 'Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? Is there someone in your life who's causing you pain or distress?' His questions felt like a warm embrace, and I wanted to open up to him.

I hesitated, fearing the consequences of speaking out, but the doctor's kind eyes encouraged me to reveal the truth. 'There's a guy at school,' I whispered, 'He's been forcing me to do things I don't want to do, and playing with my emotions like a game.The doctor's gentle voice pierced my soul, 'Miss Emily Carter, why haven't you told anyone close to you about this?' But I remained silent, unable to muster the courage to reveal the truth. 'I'll give you some time,' he said, understanding in his eyes. Just then, the door opened, and Anthony walked in, oblivious to the emotional storm brewing inside me.

Emily, who did this to you?" Anthony asked, his voice firm but laced with concern. I wanted to lie, to spare him the truth, but his eyes flashed with anger. "Emily, I'm asking you one more time - who is that bastard that hurt you? Why won't you tell me? I hate seeing you like this, hurting yourself. Who did this to you?" he shouted, his words echoing off the walls.

He took another step closer, and I couldn't bear the pain anymore. Just as I felt like I'd collapse, Mira burst into the room. 'I heard you screaming, Anthony! What's wrong?' she exclaimed, her voice laced withconcern.Anthony stormed out of the door, and I collapsed into tears. 'Mira, I'm such a stupid girl!' I sobbed, overwhelmed with regret. 'I wanted to tell you, I really did, but he kept blackmailing me... I'm so sorry!' But my words were lost on Mira, who looked at me with confusion and concern.

She wrapped her arms around me, offering a comforting hug. 'Everything will be okay,' she whispered. Emboldened by her kindness, I finally confessed the truth about Andrew and me. Her eyes widened in shock, her expression a mix of disbelief and concern.That moron Andrew, I'll kill him for laying a hand on you.

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After Mira and I had a chance to talk, it got late, and she had to leave. She promised to come back tomorrow to discuss school stuff, since I'll be stuck in the hospital for a week.

"Don't miss me much she said".

I sat down to think about Anthony's recent behavior and decided to call him. 'Hey Anthony,' I said, but he remained silent. Just as I was about to speak again, he abruptly hung up on me. I knew Anthony was upset, but he had every right to be. Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, my mom walked in, asking, 'Baby, how are you feeling now? I brought some food for you.' I wasn't hungry, but I knew she'd worry if I didn't eat, so I reluctantly agreed to try some.

After finishing dinner, my mom bid me goodnight and promised to check in on me the next day. 'Goodnight, sweetie,' she said, her voice warm and reassuring. 'I'll come by to see how you're doing tomorrow.' With that, she turned out the light and closed the door, leaving me to rest and recover.