~Hospital~
The sharp scent of antiseptic lingered heavily in the hospital room while the morning sunlight filtered softly through the half-open blinds.
The room was unusually quiet except for the faint sound of footsteps occasionally echoing from the hallway outside.
Cyndi sat quietly at the edge of the hospital bed while the doctor flipped through several files in his hand.
Her fingers remained tightly clenched around the edge of the blanket spread across her lap.
Even though the doctor had already informed her earlier that she would be discharged today, her chest still felt unbearably tight.
It did not feel like freedom. Instead, it felt like she was walking willingly toward judgment.
The doctor adjusted his glasses before finally lifting his gaze toward her. "Miss Whyte, your condition has improved significantly compared to when you were admitted, but that does not mean you should neglect your recovery."
Cyndi forced herself to nod lightly. "I understand, doctor."
