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Ember stops outside of a doorway and looks back at me. “Go in when you’re ready.”
The idea that someone as seasoned with violence as Ember is telling me to prepare myself makes my stomach lurch.
What on earth is happening here?
I can’t help but pause to gather myself before opening the door. I really could not have prepared for what was beyond it.
Before me lies a girl, and immediately I understand everyone’s hesitation around me. It’s clear why Arrick singled her out.
She looks like me.
Well, a younger version of myself. But between the blonde hair, round features, and tall frame, there is enough of a resemblance. She is me before I went through med school, residency, and childbirth.
The guilt strikes me like a hammer. The resemblance could possibly be the reason this girl endured everything she did. That she endured it at the hands of the man I escaped.
I look back at Ember and see the knowing in their eyes.
Oh, god. I did this to her.
If Arrick took a particular interest in her, it is definitely because of the resemblance. I know he was angry when we left, but it has only been a matter of weeks, and it is clear the man is losing control.
Someone did their best to try and care for her, but even from a short distance away, I can tell she isn’t in good shape. Her skin is ashy and pale, and there are indications of trauma all over her body, and I shudder knowing who caused it.
I have to take a few deep breaths to ground myself before I can finally proceed toward her. On my approach, I have the bizarre revelation of how beautiful this woman is. Despite the damage, she is clearly a person worthy of notice.
Refocusing, I set my bags down at the end of the bed and start to take out the supplies I will need to do an initial exam.
She is asleep, but there are some things I can do without being too invasive.
I start by taking all of the basics to establish a baseline for her: her blood pressure, temperature, and such. I write all of this down in a small notebook before turning back to Ember.
I notice Cy in the back corner. He is so still and silent I didn’t even see him when I entered. He is standing vigil in the room with his arms crossed and legs spread shoulder width apart. It’s a ready position; he looks as though he is anticipating a threat just as his military training prepared him for. I give him a slight dip of my chin when our eyes connect. Then I refocus on the task at hand.
“Here is a list of equipment and supplies I am going to need. Some of it should be downstairs in the med bay, but we may need to send someone out to get the other things.” I say, writing as I speak. If I am right, I will have to call in a favor with a friend to get a prescription for her too.
Ember and Cy only stand there for a moment, each of their gazes slipping over to look at the girl.
“I may try and see if we can get her records too. Do we know her name?” I ask.
Cy is surprisingly the first to speak. “Juliana Morgan.”
“Okay, do we know anything else?”
Ember begins to fill in the blanks. “Her friend Jay reached out to us about retrieving her from your ex.” They cringe a little at the mention of the man. “She’s twenty-eight and from the area, I believe. Owns a strip bar in town. I can get in touch with him and ask questions if you need me to.”
“That would be great. Thanks, Ember.”
Cy speaks up. “What’s wrong with her?”
“Based on my preliminary exam, she has bruises on almost her entire body. Lacerations are concentrated on her torso, which someone tried to care for. But I think she has a few broken ribs. It sounds like she’s having a bit of trouble breathing too. When she wakes up, I’ll do a more thorough exam, but the priority is getting fluids in her and keeping her comfortable.”
“She changed. In the car,” Cy said, and Ember nods their head in agreement.
“What do you mean?”
Cy stares at Ember, waiting for them to explain.
“This guy handed her off to us in one piece. Helped us get out of the building, and she seemed normal or at least aware when he was there. But the second we drove off, she shut down.”
“Probably the adrenaline wearing off.”
Ember continues. “Not entirely. Something was going on. I kept an eye on her on our way back, and it was like she withdrew into herself. She looked empty, and then she was asleep.”
“Okay. That’s good to know. I will keep an eye on her when she is up.” I quickly jot down a few more necessary supplies, tear out the page, and hand the list to them. “Get this, and we will go from there.”
They both look reluctant to leave, and it isn’t until after a silent conversation between them that Ember finally leaves.
I guess Cy will continue his watch from the corner then.
Turning to look at the girl, guilt washes over me once more. I feel beholden to her, and I silently swear I will do my best to care for the darling girl.
