Hospital II

As Alex stirred to consciousness in the dim evening light, he found himself in an unfamiliar place.

"Where the hell am I?" he muttered, his voice hoarse with confusion.

Glancing at his hand, he noticed the IV drip and the blood trickling into his veins, triggering a flood of memories from that morning at Dunice's house.

He closed his eyes, grappling with regret.

"Shouldn't have lost control," he thought, his hand instinctively reaching for his bandaged head. With a frustrated sigh, he tore off the drip and blood bag, his determination driving him to his feet.

He winced from a sharp pain in his head as he rose, just then, the doctor and nurse entered the room.

"You're up," the doctor said, addressing Alex. "How are you feeling?"

"I just want to leave. I hate hospitals," Alex almost yelled, his frustration evident.

"I'm sorry, but I can't discharge you," the doctor replied apologetically.