Chapter Twenty-eight.

Lina opened her eyes to an unfamiliar ceiling, her mind foggy and disoriented.

As her gaze fell upon the figure beside her, a mix of relief and confusion washed over her. Their head rested on the bed's railing, their presence a comforting anchor in the sterile hospital environment.

She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced her back onto the pillow.

The frame beside her noticed a subtle moving, and lifted her head to see her daughter had regained consciousness. 

'Lina?!' Natalie voiced out, with soft chortle.

'What's going on, mom?' Lina questioned, almost inaudibly, trying to sit up again.

'No, honey. Stay calm.' Natalie protested, holding her down to the bed.

Then she reached for the bed controls and pressed the button to elevate the head of the bed, helping Lina sit up comfortably.

'What happened?' Lina went on asking.

'Why am I in a hospital bed?' She added. 

'You passed out last night, honey.' Natalie responded. 

'What?!' Lina blurted, her eye wandering.

'I should call the doctor, baby.' Natalie retorted.

'They need to know you're awake.' She added. 

Without hesitation, she reached for the call button, her fingers trembling with a mix of relief and concern. 

She pushed the button, hoping a doctor would come in soon to access her daughter's condition. 

And in a few minutes, a doctor walked in with another staff who was dressed like a nurse.

'Good morning, Mrs. Smith.' The doctor greeted Natalie, proceeding to Lina's bed.

'Good morning, doctor.' Natalie answered. 

'Good morning, Ms. Smith.' The doctor greeted Lina also.

'Good morning.' Lina muttered. 

'How do you feel?' The doctor asked, checking the flow of her drip and the vital signs monitor.

'I am okay.' Lina replied. 

'My name is Doctor Dean and this is Nurse Agatha.' The doctor introduced himself and Nurse Agatha, who smiled and nodded hello from behind him.

'I will be reviewing your chart and discussing your treatment today.' Dr. Dean further stated. 

'Alright.' Lina nodded subtly. 

Dr. Dean's eyes never left Lina's face as he reached behind him, his hand closing around the chart Nurse Agatha place in it.

He nodded to the her, a silent acknowledgement, before focusing on Lina once more.

As he spoke, his eyes met Natalie's, and he nodded subtly, acknowledging her concerns.

Natalie's eyes, red-rimmed from lack of sleep, locked onto the doctor's, her expression a mix of worry and determination.

'Ms. Smith, is it okay with you if I discuss your test results with your mother here? I want to make sure you're comfortable with her being part of this conversation.' Dr. Dean asked, and Lina exchanged a glance with her eager mother, before she replied.

'It's fine, Doctor. I'm comfortable.'

'Alright, then.' Dr. Dean turned his attention to Lina's chart, his fingers scanning the pages as he spoke.

'Ms. Smith, our nurses checked your vitals when you were admitted, and we noticed that your blood pressure is quite high. We also ran some tests, and it appears that you're deficient in several essential vitamins.'

Natalie's gaze flicked to her daughter, her eyes filled with a deep concern.

'What does that mean?' She asked, her voice trembling.

Dr. Dean's expression turned serious. 'It means that your daughter hasn't been getting the nutrients she needs. Possibly due to poor appetite or inadequate diet.' 

'We also conducted a psychological evaluation, and it appears that Lina may be experiencing symptoms of depression.' Dr. Dean continued, his voice gentle but firm.

Natalie's eyes widened, and she took a step forward, her hand reaching out to her daughter.

'Oh, Lina...' Her voice faltered, and Lina instantly started to regret agreeing to discuss her results, in her mother's presence.

'We'll need to address this, of course. I recommend that Ms. Smith start therapy sessions to help her cope with her emotions.' Dr. Dean stated, nodding sympathetically. 

Lina's eyes flashed in disapproval, and she shook her head, making Dr. Dean think she may be afraid.

'It's okay, Ms. Smith. We'll be here to support you every step of the way.' He assured her.

Natalie's face contorted with worry, and she turned to Dr. Dean.

'What can I do to help my daughter?' She asked.

Dr. Dean's expression turned compassionate. 'You're already doing it, Mrs. Smith. Being here for your daughter, supporting her... that is everything. We'll work together to get Ms. Smith the help she needs.'

As he finished speaking, Nurse Agatha stepped forward, her eyes locked onto the doctor's.

'Doctor, shall I...' She trailed off, her gesture indicating the chart in Dr. Dean's hand.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving Lina's face.

'Yes, please. Let's get started on the patient's treatment plan.' He commented. 

'Alright, doc.' Nurse Agatha rejoined.

'I will write her a prescription and contact the hospital therapist, so Ms. Smith...' Her speech was caught off rather abruptly. 

'No.' Lina voiced.

'What do you mean, Ms. Smith?' Nurse Agatha asked, raising an eyebrow. 

'I don't need therapy.' Lina countered. 

'Ms. Smith...' Dr. Dean started.

'Please doctor.' Lina interrupted him.

'Lina, what do you think you're doing?' Natalie questioned. 

'I can handle this myself, mom.' Lina said to Natalie.

'I already have a therapist. The idea of switching therapist doesn't sit well with me.' She pointed out, and Natalie couldn't believe her ears.

'Well, that is perfectly okay.' Dr. Dean chipped in.

'You just have to ensure that you commit to regular therapy sessions. Consistency is key to managing your condition, so please make every effort to attend all scheduled sessions.' He stated.

'Thanks, doctor.' Lina thanks Dr. Dean.

'You're welcome, Ms. Smith.' He replied. 

'Nurse Agatha will prepared your prescription list, and after you get it, you will be discharged. But, please ensure to take your medications religiously.' He added. 

'I will.' Lina proclaimed. 

'Great. I will take my leave now. Take care of yourself, Ms. Smith.' Dr. Dean said. 

'Thank you, doctor.' Lina voiced. 

'Bye for now, Mrs. Smith.' He said to Natalie, walking out.

'Bye, doctor.' Natalie responded.

As soon as the door closed behind the doctor and nurse, Natalie erupted into a torrent of emotion.

'You've been in therapy?'

'Mom, please. Not now.' Lina countered. 

'So you know, that you are depressed.' Natalie went on, ignoring Lina's plea.

'For how long have you known?' She threw a question at Lina.

'How long have you been in therapy, Lina?' She bursted out in a rage of annoyance.