Page 70 of Shadows of Recovery

Sophie frowned. “I was assessed yesterday.”

Dr. Birdham’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “We need to repeat it to make sure our results are correct. We’re just going to chat. I also have some lab results that we need to adjust your care for.”

Sophie’s heart sank. She felt the too familiar knot of anxiety tightening in her chest. “What’s wrong?” She rubbed her breastbone. She could feel the irregular beat in her ears.

Kay pulled a chair beside the bed and sat down, crossing her legs. “This is our last appointment together. Dr. Skylar, my boss, will be taking over your care.”

“Why?”I’m glad. You’re a shrew.

“We had a team meeting.” Kay’s eyes focused on Sophie. “He made the decision. You can ask him when you see him.”

Sophie crossed her arms over her chest.He hates you too.Her chest began to hurt. She forced herself to take some deep breaths. She grabbed a pillow, hugging it to her.

“We’ve received the results of your rape kit. Unfortunately, there was no DNA. Apparently, your assailant used chlorhexidine. But a repeat exam conducted a week later showed you’d contracted syphilis,” Kay said flatly.

Sophie’s eyes widened in horror. Her breath caught in her throat, and tears welled up in her eyes. “What? No… That can’t be right.”

Rape kit. A sexually transmitted infection. I was raped?

An image floated in her head. Evil eyes. The couch in the lounge. She felt the shakes begin.

Kay’s tone remained cold and matter-of-fact. “It is right. You need to receive antibiotic treatment immediately.”

Sophie’s whole body was shaking now. She tried to steady herself, but the news hit her like a freight train.Breathe, she begged herself. “This can’t be happening…”

No one told me I was…raped. Why antibiotic treatment now? They treat you prophylactically after an assault.

Kay’s gaze was unyielding. “You have no choice but to deal with it, Sophie. This is your reality now.”

Sophie’s tears spilled over, her sobs racking her body. “Why are you being so cruel? I’m already so scared…”

Kay’s face remained impassive. “I’m not here to coddle you, Sophie. You need to face the facts and take responsibility for your health. You were raped and sodomized. And now you have an infection. Dr. Harris and our staff gynecologist will have to re-culture you.”

Anger surged through her grief. “How do you speak to a patient like this?” She felt herself drifting emotionally.

Kay’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Emotional outbursts won’t change the facts. You need to focus on your treatment. Syphilis can be a dangerous disease.”

Sophie wiped at her tears, her voice trembling. “I know that, damn it.”

“How does it make you feel?”

“I don’t know.” Something inside her snapped, and she jumped. A flash of Damon Whitlock popped in her head. He held her face down. She started to rock.

Kay’s tone softened just a fraction, but it was barely noticeable. “This isn’t the end of your life, Sophie. It’s a setback.”

Sophie looked at her, desperation in her eyes. “Setback? This is a patient’s life you’re talking about.”

Kay sighed, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. “I’m here to help you, Sophie. My methods might seem harsh, but they’re effective. You need to toughen up. Now let’s get through the basics so I can pass you on to Dr. Skylar.”

Sophie's eyes filled with anxiety, and she fidgeted nervously with her hands. Kay’s voice was becoming background noise.

“Let's begin with the basics," Kay said, her tone brisk. "Can you please confirm your full name, age, and date of birth?

She began reading a patient chart in her mind. It wasn’t hers. "Um, Sophie… Everhart. Age twenty-nine, born on January 12, 1995."

"What is your current living situation? Do you live alone, with family, or with friends?"

"She lives with Tristan Blackwell... well, she used to. She’s not sure where she stands now. Everything’s so... confusing." The room was losing its color.

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