Back to square one

Chloe opened her eyes to the now-familiar hospital room in which she had woken up after her accident. The bright light hurt her eyes, so she immediately closed them back, sighing softly in resignation. This time around, she knew exactly why she was here. She had fainted at the diner on her first day of work. Well, she supposed she could kiss that job goodbye. She tried opening her eyes again, doing it slowly this time. Immediately she got them open, the disapproving and frowning face of Dr. Hope appeared in her line of vision.

“What did I say about taking it slow and easy?” Dr. Hope asked without preamble after Chloe struggled into a sitting position. The doctor placed her hands on her ample hips and glared down at her stubborn patient. She had the special talent of looking down at anyone, even if they were several inches taller than her, which most people were.

Chloe meekly folded her hands in her lap and said, “Good evening, doctor Hope.”