The Visitor
Chapter 1
The past few weeks had been catching up with Tom and the lack of sleep was starting to take its toll on his work and relationship. It had all started with the visit…
A normal day with normal patients was what greeted Tom on the warm April morning. He arrived at work with Sam and got stuck into filling in the patients forms. The day dragged slowly on and he looked forward to going home for a night in. He was thinking of how he and Sam could go for a loving walk along the beach, as the weather was so nice, when Noel interrupted his thoughts.
"Sorry to disturb you Dr Kent, but there is a young lady in reception asking to see you". Tom was confused but expected it to be a patient who he had been recommended to, without trying to sound big headed. However the 'lady', as Noel had called her, was not a lady at all. In fact, she was more like a child. As she noticed him, he saw faint cuts on her face and the bags under her eyes that showed she wasn't sleeping. She may not be a lady but she definitely has the work of one, Tom thought as he approached her small form.
"I believe you asked for me?" he said with a smile. Tom was never a series man, especially when children were concerned. The girl looked at him confidently.
"I need to speak to you". Then, at his confused look she added, "I need your help."
Tom was clearly confused but she was a child, it was his job to help her. He led her to the relative's room where they both took a seat.
"Are you injured?" he firstly asked, why would she be here otherwise? He was looking at the faint, healing cuts on her face as he asked the question. At a quick glance he could see bruises beginning to appear on her wrists where her coat had come up her arm to reveal them. Realising, she quickly readjusted her arm so that the coat covered them.
"I can't believe I'm actually here…with you. I…"
"Wait, what?" Toms face was screwed up like a jigsaw puzzle not yet completed. "I'm sorry, but I don't recognise you"
She smiled softly, "You wouldn't. I didn't think I'd recognise you but you look so much like dad."
"Dad?" Tom became cautious.
"Your real dad, not your adopted one."
"How do you know I was adopted? Who are you?"
The visitor hesitated. "I'm your sister."