Chapter 4 Sophia is Rushed to the Hospital

Sophia's world went dark as she felt a searing pain. She remembered leaving her mother's house, but everything after that was a blur.

When Sophia finally opened her eyes, she was in a hospital room, surrounded by beeping machines and sterile white walls. She tried to sit up, but a sharp pain shot through her head and body.

A nurse rushed to her side. "Easy, Miss. . You need to rest."

Sophia's memories began to return, fragmented and unclear. She recalled arguing with Alex, the words escalating into something ugly...

As the nurse attended to her, Sophia's memories slowly pieced together. She remembered Alex's angry face, his hands striking her..

The nurse noticed Sophia's distress. "Miss, do you need anything?"

Sophia nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "My mom... please, my phone ."

"Sophia, I'm so sorry. I never meant to-"

Sophia's eyes flashed with anger. "Get out! You did this to me! You monster!"

The nurse intervened. "Miss, please calm down. You need to rest."

Sophia's voice rose. "No, I don't need rest! I need him to leave!"

Alex took a step back, looking devastated. "Sophia, please listen..."

The nurse firmly stepped in. "Sir I think it's best if you excuse yourself for now please."

Sophia shouted, "Don't let him come near me! Keep him away!"

The nurse guided Alex out of the room. "Let's give her some space. She'll need time to process everything."

"Why did I do that? Why couldn't I control myself?" He replayed the argument in his head, feeling a mix of regret and anger.

"I shouldn't have hit her. I should've been more patient," he thought, shaking his head. "But she wasn't picking up her phone, and I had to find her... I was so angry when she responded like that."

Alex's eyes wandered, lost in thought. "I love her, but..." He sighed, feeling frustrated and helpless.

"How is she? Will she be okay?" He asked a nurse who came out of Sophia's ward.

The nurse's expression was sympathetic but firm. "She needs time to rest aside that, she's okay. Maybe it's best if you give her some space, sir."

Alex nodded slowly, but he didn't leave. He stood there, lost in his thoughts, wondering what he could've done differently.

"Relax sir, she's definitely going to be alright." The nurse added before walking out on him.

Sophia's phone rang, and she answered, seeing her mom's name on the screen. "Mommy"

Her mom's voice was filled with concern. "My daughter, I've been trying to reach you since you left. How are you? Did you get home safely?"

Sophia forced a calm tone. "Yeah, Mom, I'm fine. I just... I came to the hospital for a check-up. Just a routine thing."

Her mom pressed for more information. "A check-up? What for? You're not sick, are you?"

Sophia downplayed the situation. "No, Mom, I'm not sick. Just a bit stressed, that's all. The doctor just wants to run some tests."

Sophia reassured her. "I'm really fine, Mom. Don't worry. I'll be home soon."

Her mom pressed her concern. "I'm coming to see you. Send me the address of the hospital, and I'll be right there."

Knowing her mom wouldn't leave her alone if she saw her condition. "Mom, really, it's not necessary. I'm fine, I promise."

Her mom's tone turned firm. "Sophia, send me the address now. I'm not taking no for an answer."

Her mom insisted, "Send me the address, Sophia. I'll come to you."

Sophia hesitated, then brushed it off, changing the subject. "Mom,. I'm going home in few minutes."

"Okay, dear. Take care of yourself."

"I will mom, love you. Call you when I'm home. Bye!"

It was 8 PM, and the nurse came in with a warm smile. "Ms., you're cleared for discharge. How are you feeling?"

Sophia nodded, wincing slightly. "I'm feeling a bit better, thanks. Just tired."

The nurse checked her chart. "The doctor's orders are for you to rest and avoid strenuous activities. If you feel okay, you can head home and continue your recovery there."

"That sounds perfect. I'd rather rest at home."

"Just make sure someone is with you or checks in on you regularly, okay?"

Sophia nodded, taking the papers. "I'll be fine.

"Are you just going to stand there and watch me struggle?" Sophia snapped, her frustration evident.

Alex looked taken aback by her tone but still didn't approach her. "You told me not to come near you," he said softly. I'm sorry but... I just have to follow you home and watch you get settled in before I take my leave " he added

"I don't need your help you monster."

The nurse seceded in convincing her to allow Alex follow her home to make it easier for her to settle down and she finally agreed .

Sophia's anger flared, but she bit back a retort, instead taking a deep breath and making her way slowly out to where the taxi she called was already waiting.

As she settled into the taxi, she felt a pang of something – regret, maybe, or longing – thinking about Jake. But she quickly brushed it off.

"Not now," she whispered to herself, closing her eyes. "Don't think about him now."

The taxi ride was a blur as Sophia focused on her own thoughts, trying to push aside the emotions swirling inside her. She just wanted to rest and recover.

"my love." Alex called out to her.

"Don't you call me that from your stinking mouth monster." She napped at Alex

The taxi stopped in front of her house, and Sophia paid the driver, grateful to be home. She stepped out, wincing slightly as she moved...

It was a short and quiet ride.

"Let me help you in babe."

" Call my name instead, I'm not your babe."

"I'm okay without you Alex, good night. I don't need you here. Good night."

Sophia's legs buckled beneath her, and she fell onto the couch, wincing in pain. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she struggled to catch her breath.

Alone in the house, she let out a soft moan, feeling vulnerable and scared. But as she thought of Alex, her resolve hardened.

"I'll be fine," she whispered, gritting her teeth. "Just don't see him. That's all I need."

With a Herculean effort, Sophia pushed herself up and began the slow, painful process of making her way to her bedroom, determined to prove to herself that she didn't need anyone's help. She slowly pulled herself together and made her way to the bed ready to sleep.