A new chapter

[Lea Kaufman]

22nd February 835 A.S - System: New Berlin / Planet New Berlin / Hospital

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She was lucky that those people entered her house last night. She had been brought to the nearest hospital, and once she was taken in, she simply let the doctors and nurses do their job. X-rays of her knees were taken, along with routine tests to check for any other concerns. But her sleep was restless. She saw the same scene play out again and again—the man who broke in, tortured her, and then set the fire. Cold sweat was the only thing she felt each time she woke up.

At six in the morning, she was awake once more when a doctor entered her room with the results.

''Miss Kaufman, correct?'' he asked before sitting on a chair next to the hospital bed.

''I am Hector Azinger, a radiography specialist. I have some results regarding your overall health and your knees...'' He paused for a moment and handed her some images illustrating Lea's kneecaps.

''As you can see, your kneecaps are beyond recovery, and the shots you took also damaged the other two bones in your legs.''

She bit her lip at the news.

''Is there any way I can regain the use of my legs? I am... someone rather active.''

With a compassionate expression, the doctor placed a hand on her shoulder before withdrawing it.

''There is a way, yes. But here, our resources are limited. So... the best I can do is contact Medforce Enterprises. They are well known for their advanced expertise, beyond what some of us here have. Just say the word, and I will reach out to them.''

The blonde woman clenched her fists for a moment.

''I suppose I’m stuck here for a while... I guess you have my approval.'' she replied, staring up at the ceiling.

The doctor stood up from the chair.

''Consider it done. The remote control is on your left if you want to watch the news to pass the time.''

He left the room, leaving Lea to rest. She picked up the remote and switched to a news channel. Then, a news report caught her attention.

She was devastated by what she saw—her house, along with some of her neighbors' homes, had been reduced to ashes. The only silver lining was that she had survived and would no longer have to pay for her house.

All she could do now was wait.

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Lea Kaufman --- Diary of a Rheinlander