Chapter 19 - Free At Last

A sharp turn that almost sends me to my knees. Another long, white corridor. Another turn, another corridor. On and on. The spotless, glimmering white walls were so bright that I almost had to close my eyes and have a little rest, but I managed to keep on going. Then - at the end, a door. Well, two doors, to be exact...but all that was going through my mind was 'my exit'. A spark of hope appeared in my brain but I didn't let it overwhelm me. I couldn't let it overwhelm me.

Just a few steps from the doors, I stopped. The Mayor turned around, rolling his eyes. "What now?" he asked.

"My family. You promised they'd be with me when I left."

He waved his hand at the door. "They're waiting outside for you. Have no fear, Viola. Everything has been arranged."

I didn't trust him. How could I? After all of the pain, sorrow and pure torture that he's put me through, how could I ever trust him again? Not that I trusted him at any point in my life - he has always been an enemy of mine and Todd's.

Cautiously, I pushed a door open to see what was waiting for me outside. He was actually telling the truth. My family were there. With a stupid smile plastered to my face, I pushed the door open wider and ran towards them, my heart filled with joy -

I blinked my eyes open, then immediately regretted it. A large, white light was above me, burning into my eyes. I tried to turn over, to escape the light, and thats when I felt the searing pain in my side.

"Wha..." Too tired to think straight, I tried to fall back asleep - but before I had a chance to, a young woman entered the room.

"Oh good! You're awake." She said, putting down the bandages she was carrying. "I'm Michelle - but you can call me Mish. I'm your nurse."

I looked up at her, confused. My exhausted mind put the facts together - nurse. "So...I'm in a hospital?" I asked.

"Yes. You were shot in your side when you were leaving New Prentisstown. Rumour has it that Mr. Prentiss organised for your husband to be shot instead, but you took the bullet...basically ruining his plan. He wanted you to take out your anger on him. Y'know, he wants another war. He's bored without them - thats why he tortured you." She hurried over to a table to collect some creams and bandages, then started patching up my side.

I tilted my head towards her. "How do you know all of that?"

"My father is a soldier. Our family get all the gossip." She smiled at me. "Could you turn to the left a bit please?" I nodded, and she began applying cold cream to my wound. I held my breath, a tip I had learned from Heather, and I couldn't feel the coolness of it at all. Good. It was cold in the room already, and I didn't need to feel even colder.

She continued. "So, basically, if you want to stay alive, I'd stay away from Mr. Prentiss at all times. If he declares war on anybody you are affliated with, make sure that they decline it." I nodded as she finished dressing my wound. "You should be okay for now. I need to go and restock the medicine cupboard, but I'll be back in around two hours time. Try to get some rest."

I called out before she left the room. "Mish?" She turned to face me. "Am I allowed visitors?"

She smiled sadly. "No, sorry...no visitors are allowed during the first three days. This is your third day - you slept right through the first two due to the medicine we gave you - but your family are more than welcome to visit tomorrow. They're staying next door in the inn at the moment. I can send a word if you would like me to."

I nodded gratefully. "Yes, please. I have a lot to talk to them about."