Chapter Twenty: Breaking the Rules.

The curtains were drawn back to reveal the glass window, the brightly burning celestial sun being the only form of light in the mundane, bleak room. Cassidy's eyes drew away from the pale-yellow curtains and instead focused on the room's contents.

The woman in the bed seemed almost sickly, her pale skin contrasting terribly against her usual ivory complexion that complimented her nude makeup. She was dressed in a white, open-backed gown, the flimsy knee-length clothing replacing her formal pants and shirt. Strands of deep brown hair were splayed across the flat pillow; its usual black restraints being pulled away for easier access to Edith's injuries.

"I hate this place."

Cassidy brushed away stray strands falling onto her mother's cheek as she glanced at Alex's seated form.

"Likewise."

The teenager let out a cold sigh and returned to her steel chair placed beside Edith's hospital bed.