Sophie opened her eyes, blinking to clear the fog. A white ceiling greeted her, as well as a steady beep and drip.

"Thomas," she said. Her voice was barely above a whisper and it sounded scratchy and sore.

A head came into her vision. "Sophie, you're awake!"

The head disappeared and a steady beep went off, lasting for all of two seconds.

"Where am I?"

"A hospital," Thomas replied, his head coming back into view, "It was a close call, too, the medical personnel had to actually resuscitate you on the scene."

"Is the bullet gone?"

"Yes, they managed to remove it on the way to the hospital," Thomas said, "After your condition had stabilized."

"How long have I been unconscious?"

"About 24 hours, or so."

"Good," Sophie said, sitting up. She felt something tugging at her arm and looked down to see an IV attached to her arm. Several other wires were attached as well on her arms and chest.

"Why would that be a good thing?" Timothy asked

"Ali wouldn't have healed that fast," Sophie replied.

"What are you talking about? And what happened anyway?" Thomas asked.

"Ali, she's changed."

"What do you mean?"

"Mr. Roberts had told Ali that I was the reason she was captured," Sophie said, "That lead Ali to hate me and was the key to get her to start killing humans. Just after Mr. Roberts got finished telling me she had lost her hearing because of the sound they were using, she had attacked us, killing Mr. Roberts."

"He's dead?"

"Yeah, and Ali would have killed me too, she was about to after she had shot me in the leg," Sophie said, "But I tried to talk her out of it, telling her that she was still good and that she never wanted to kill humans before. But she didn't listen to me; she said that I was assuming what she was thinking. She told me that she would let me go, because she didn't want me thinking she still had compassion."

"Where is she now?"

"I don't know, she didn't say, but she said that when she came back for me, she'd have her hearing back, but she wouldn't have her eyes."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Sophie shook her head. "I don't know."

"Well, how long would you think it'll be before Ali comes after you?"

"I don't know," Sophie said, "But I need to think of something that'll convince her I didn't betray her!"

Just then, a nurse walked into the room. "Did someone page a nurse?"

"Yes, I did," Thomas said, "I wanted to let you know that my sister had awakened."

The nurse nodded. "I'll go get the doctor."

Sophie waited in silence for ten minutes before the doctor entered, wearing a white lab coat.

"Hello, Sophie," he said, "How are you feeling?"

"Better than I did yesterday."

"That's good to hear," the doctor reached for the charts at the end of her bed and studied them. "Well, it looks like you are in good condition, you can check out immediately. Just make sure to leave the bandage on for another 24 hours."

"Thank you," Sophie replied.

The doctor only smiled and stepped out of the room, pressing a button. A nurse came in a second later and began removing the IV and wires attaching Sophie to the machines. She took only five minutes, not saying a word, and then left.

"Get dressed," Thomas said, "I'll meet you downstairs."

Sophie nodded and waited for her brother to shut the door before pulling the covers off and getting out of the bed. A fresh pair of clothing was waiting for her in the chair at the end of the bed. Sophie pulled the clothes on quickly and gently, moving delicately with her pants to avoid bumping her leg too badly. She limped out of her room and toward the elevator, not even wanting to think of taking the stairs. Her brother was waiting just outside the elevator doors when they opened and immediately offered his support.

"I've already got you paid and checked out," Thomas said, "There's a car waiting out front."

Sophie nodded and allowed her brother to lead her out the door. She was curious about his behavior of late and slightly surprised that he was even here when she woke up. In all honesty, she would have thought he'd send one of his assistances out for her while he stayed to work on his clones.

"Sophie? Everything alright?" Thomas asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Sophie said, shaking her head to clear her thoughts.

"Well, come on then, I don't have all day!"

Sophie smiled and followed her brother out; that was the attitude she was used to.