I wake up at the following morning, half asleep still. I look up, seeing my Mom delivering my backpack.

“Sorry, Lex,” she gives me a sympathetic smile “I didn't mean to wake you, my little trooper.”

“No, it's fine,” I sigh, sitting up and ruffling my hair “I haven't slept much anyway...”

“I know it's hard, but the doctor said she'll pull through, honey. I have work now, but you know I'll be back just as soon as I can be, okay? Your father will be a phone call away too,” my Mom assures, stroking my hair like she did when I was younger “I put enough pancakes for both of you in a box in your bag. I know Anna loves pancakes.”

“Thanks, Mom. She'll appreciate it, I'm sure,” I smile weakly.

Mom sits on the end of Anna's bed and looks at me carefully

“I know this is hurting you more than anyone, but Anna is lucky to have you. You've stayed here with her, haven't moved an inch- that's more you can say for most men, let alone boys your age,” Mom smiles, kissing my nose as she exits, knowing she's given me enough to keep me going.

“It's okay, Anna. I won't leave you, okay? I left you once, but it won't ever happen again,” I whisper in her ear, neating her out as I see the doctor approaching.

He knocks twice and comes in as he sees me smile weakly up at him.

“Are you Miss. Brown's partner?” He asks, checking all the notes over.

“I am,” I lie, cupping Anna's hand in my own.

“Well we have results in from our investigation, would you like to hear them?” He asks, smiling sympathetically.

I nod, not knowing why. I mean, why would I really want to? I don't want to hear what that pig did to Anna.My Anna. But I know she'll want to know when she wakes up. She always has been curious.

“Your partner has obtained multiple bruises from what appears to be a fist and small cuts to the eye- because your skin is thin around it. She has lacerations inside her vagina which fit with it being a rape, and traces of seamen were found coating her womb. We flushed it out, but there are no guarantees we removed it all,” he explains, apologetically.

I hold my stomach as my gut twists, making me feel physically sick.

“T-Thanks, sir. Do you know when she'll wake up?” I ask, the thought of hearing Anna's voice being the only thing keeping me happy.

“Any time now,” he smiles weakly at me “She may be a little upset, but just be patient.”

I nod. I never had much patience in the past and I don't suppose I'll have much in the future, but right now I'm certain I could wait forever to have Anna back and fix this stupid mess I made.

“Call if there's anything you need,” the doctor smiles weakly, walking out with Anna's notes in hand- closing the door of her private room, which my parents insisted they'd pay for.

I get onto the small hospital bed and spoon the tiny girl, feeling slightly more comfortable with her in my grip.

I pull away as I hear Anna grunt and feel a gentle push on my body. I look down, shocked to see Anna's big blue eyes looking up at me, hurt and terrified.

Notes

I know it's really short- it's just a filler really.
I'll update again tomorrow or Monday as a 'thank you' for being so lovely and patient. Oh, and for all my lovely comments, of course!
Thank you, everyone!

All Time Lily
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