Chapter 1776
Back home, the first thing Karina did was take a shower, cranking the water temperature to the highest setting as if that was the only way to wash away the grim memories of the night.
She scrubbed her arms fiercely, the spots where those repulsive men had touched her. Even through her clothes, the thought made her feel sick. Again and again, she lathered herself with soap until her skin turned slightly red, but no matter how hard she tried, the discomfort in her heart lingered.
After her shower, Karina changed into clean pajamas and sat on the edge of her bed, unable to sleep. Her gaze fell on her phone. She hesitated for a moment before sending a text to Wilfred.
“Dr. Wilfred, I’m truly grateful for your help tonight. I’ll never forget it.”
After sending the message, she set her phone down, hugged her knees, and curled up on the bed. Returning to the hospital had always been her dream, but now she worried whether she could truly meet expectations and not let Wilfred down. As she sat lost in thought, her phone lit up with a reply.
“Good to know you’re home. Rest well and don’t overthink it. See you at the hospital tomorrow.”
The simple message brought her a sense of comfort. She took a deep breath, telling herself not to dwell too much on the future but to focus on the present.
Lying back on the bed, Karina closed her eyes, trying to fall asleep. Her mind was still a whirlwind of thoughts, but exhaustion eventually overtook her.
Her sleep, however, was far from peaceful. The grotesque faces of the men at the bar and their cruel laughter echoed in her dreams. She found herself running desperately, trying to escape, only to discover she was trapped in an endless darkness. Suddenly, Wilfred’s steady figure appeared, calm and composed as always. He reached out his hand, guiding her to break free from the suffocating darkness.
Karina jolted awake, her forehead damp with sweat. She gasped for air, her chest rising and falling rapidly. It took her a few moments to gather herself.
Morning sunlight streamed through the gap in her curtains. She got up and pulled them open, letting the golden light fill the room.
After a simple breakfast, she
carefully chose a professional outfit and headed to the hospital. Her emotions were a mix of anxiety and anticipation. She wasn’t sure how her colleagues would react, especially after all she had been through.
Голов
When she arrived, she went straight to Wilfred’s office to report in. As she reached the door, she heard the sound of a heated argument inside.
She hesitated for a moment before softly knocking.
The voices inside abruptly stopped, and Wilfred’s voice called out, “Come in.”
Karina opened the door to find
Wilfred seated behind his desk, while an angry-looking man stood opposite him. Wilfred glanced at Karina and gave her a slight mod, gesturing for her to sit.
Karina sat quietly to the side, her mind swirling with questions about what was going on.
Wilfred turned back to the man and said firmly, “My decision is final and won’t be changed. If you have a complaint, you’re free to take it up with higher management. But Kere at the hospital, the rules must be followed.”
The man shot Wilfred a furious glare before storming out, slamming the door behind him.
Wilfred rubbed his temples and gave Karina a weary smile. “Sorry you had to see that. There are some complicated issues at the hospital, but it’s nothing for you to worry about.”