“Have you been getting enough sleep lately?” she presses.
“Oh, yes,” I say quickly, staring at my hands. “I’ve been sleeping fine.”
I can’t breathe.
Someone get me a bucket.
I can sense the nurse’s doubt lingering in the air. “And what about your eating habits, Adeline? Have you been eating well and nourishing your body?”
Silence stretches uncomfortably. My throat tightens.
“Adeline? Have you been eating?”
“Absolutely,” I force out, the words wavering. “I eat regularly. There’s nothing to worry about.”
My voice wavers slightly, and I curse at my inability to make myself sound believable. Stupid nerves. If I tell this woman the truth, it will inevitably lead to questions. Ones I can’t answer. Ones I haven’t got time to answer, either.
“Adeline, it’s important to be honest about these things. Proper nutrition is vital for your well-being, especially during times of stress. Are you sure you’ve been taking care of yourself?” she asks again, utterly unconvinced.
“I assure you, I’ve been eating well. There’s nothing to worry about,” I say again.
“Adeline, I’m here for you. If you ever feel ready to open up, know that I’m here to listen. Your well-being is important.” She sighs softly.
And I almost laugh. That’s what they all say.
As much as I want to believe her words are true, I just can’t. Why would she want to help me? A complete stranger. When even my own sisters wouldn’t. It’s not like she’s getting anything out of it. It’s not like she actually cares. So, I simply nod, avoiding her gaze.
“You have friends waiting for you outside,” she says, her tone lighter. “They seemed worried.”
My heart skips a beat. Friends? Waiting for me?Huh?
“Are you sure?” I ask, not entirely convinced I heard her right.
The nurse smiles warmly. “Yes, they’ve been quite concerned about you,” she says.
I quickly thank the nurse and practically jump out of the bed at that. My legs feel shaky, but I manage to make it to the door. The door swings open, revealing Lilia and Bea standing there, eyes wide.
“Addie! Thank goodness you’re alright!” Lilia exclaims, her voice rising. “Are you okay? Did they give you food? Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Lilia,” Bea cuts in with a smirk, “you’re overwhelming her.”
“What? I was worried!” Lilia retorts, her hands flying up in exasperation. Her concern shifts to frustration as she turns her attention to the room I just came out of. “Seriously, what’s with this nurse? She wouldn’t let us in to see you! I swear, I was about to sneak in through the air vents or something!”
We hear a cough from behind us, and we turn to find the nurse standing there with a disapproving gaze.
Oh.
Lilia’s eyes widen again. “Oh, uh, I mean, it was just a joke! We would never actually —”
The nurse’s stern expression softens, and she chuckles, shaking her head. “I have to admit, it would make for an interesting sight. But rules are rules, even for visiting friends.”
Lilia’s face reddens, and she sheepishly apologizes. “I’m really sorry I just—”
“She means she’s sorry. We were just really worried about Adeline here. I promise we won’t cause any more trouble,” Bea cuts her off.
The nurse gives us one final warm smile and turns around and walks back in through the door.
Lilia lets out a breath of relief. “Damn, she scares me.”
