Amelia Grant awoke with a start, her mind hazy as she tried to recall the events that had transpired. The last thing she remembered was the commotion in the restaurant and the violent outburst from Emily Parker. Now, lying in a hospital bed with her head throbbing, Amelia felt a deep sense of unease.
Ethan Scotts voice cut through her thoughts, his tone laced with a mixture of concern and reproach. "Amelia, you need to be more careful. Not every situation calls for your heroics."
Amelia winced, both from the pain and from the sting of his words. "I didnt mean for things to get so out of hand," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
Ethan sighed, running a hand through his hair in a gesture of frustration. "I know you didnt, but you could have been seriously hurt. Or worse," he added darkly.
Amelia bit her lip, feeling a wave of guilt. Ethan was right; she had acted impulsively and without considering the consequences. "Im sorry, Ethan," she said, her voice thick with remorse. "I should have known better."
Ethans expression softened, and he reached out to take her hand. "Im not angry with you, Amelia. Im just worried. You could have been killed."
Amelias eyes filled with tears. "I know," she whispered, squeezing his hand in return. "I promise Ill be more thoughtful in the future."
The door to the hospital room swung open, and Jason Lee entered, his face a mask of professionalism. "Hows our patient doing?" he asked, his voice warm and reassuring.
"Ive been better," Amelia replied with a weak smile.
Jason approached the bed, his eyes scanning the medical charts in his hands. "You suffered a minor concussion, but youre lucky it wasnt more serious," he informed her. "With some rest, you should make a full recovery."
Amelia nodded, relief washing over her. "Thank you, Jason."
He smiled back at her. "Thats what Im here for."
Ethan cleared his throat, drawing Jasons attention. "What about the other woman involved in the incident? Isabella Wilson, was it?"
Jasons expression turned serious. "Shes been treated for her injuries as well. Physically, shell recover, but I understand the emotional impact has been significant."
Amelias heart ached at the thought of her friend. "I should go see her," she said, trying to sit up.
Ethan gently pressed her back down. "You need to rest, Amelia. Isabella will understand."
"But its my fault she got hurt," Amelia protested, her voice cracking.
Ethan shook his head. "You cant take responsibility for other peoples actions," he said firmly. "Whats important now is that you both heal and move past this."
Amelia lay back, the fight leaving her. She knew Ethan was right, but that didnt make the guilt any easier to bear.
As the days passed, Amelias condition improved, and she was soon able to leave the hospital. Ethan was there by her side, a pillar of support. But Amelia couldnt shake the feeling that things would never be the same.
She had always seen herself as a strong, independent woman, capable of handling whatever life threw at her. But this incident had shaken her to her core, making her question her own judgment and actions.
Ethan seemed to sense her internal struggle and did his best to reassure her. "Youre stronger than you think, Amelia," he told her one evening as they sat together on the couch in their living room. "Youve faced adversity before and come out stronger for it."
Amelia looked at him, her eyes searching his for the truth in his words. She wanted to believe him, but the doubt lingered.
"I just want to put this all behind us," she said softly.
Ethan took her hand, his grip firm and reassuring. "We will, Amelia. Together, well get through this."
Amelia clung to his words, drawing strength from his unwavering faith in her. And as she did so, she felt a flicker of the old Amelia returning鈥攖he Amelia who wasnt afraid to face whatever challenges life had in store.