Sophia’s POV
One year later…
The lecturer’s voice fades into the background as the class comes to an end. We’ve been informed that it’s time to start looking for hospitals to submit our internship applications. As everyone begins packing their belongings, my seatmate, Lily, takes the opportunity to approach me.
“So, Sophia, have you thought about which hospital you’ll apply to for your internship?” Lily asks, her voice filled with curiosity.
I pause for a moment, realizing that I haven’t given it much consideration yet. With everything happening in my life, finding the right hospital for my internship hasn’t crossed my mind. I turn to Lily with a smile, feeling a bit sheepish.
“To be honest, Lily, I haven’t really thought about it,” I admit. “With everything going on, I’ve been preoccupied. But I’ll start my research now.”
Lily chuckles, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “Well, lucky for you, I’ve done some digging. Let me give you a few recommendations.”
I listen attentively as Lily shares her insights on various hospitals known for their internship programs. She mentions St. Mary’s Hospital first, highlighting its supportive staff and the positive experiences of previous interns. It sounds like an environment that fosters growth and learning.
“There’s also City General Hospital,” Lily continues. “Many students have praised their structured training program, and it’s known for providing a well-rounded experience.”
As Lily goes on, she mentions a couple of other hospitals with positive reputations. However, her tone changes when she brings up Grace Hospital, a hint of warning in her voice.
“Now, here’s one you might want to steer clear of,” Lily cautions. “I’ve heard rumors that the head of the department there is a very strict person. The interns working at Grace Hospital often complain about being overworked.”
I can’t help but smile at Lily’s animated antics and her tendency to inject humor into any conversation. It lightens the mood and momentarily takes my mind off the weight of my current situation.
“Well, it sounds like Grace Hospital might be an interesting experience,” I say with a playful glint in my eyes. “Who knows? Maybe I’m up for the challenge.”
Lily rolls her eyes playfully, understanding my jest. “Oh, please. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
But just as Lily finishes her sentence, she gasps, her eyes widening in disbelief. I watch her giving me a strange look, her gaze shifting between me and something else. Confused, I furrow my brows and ask, “Lily, what’s wrong?”
She blinks rapidly, seemingly trying to make sense of what she’s seeing. Finally, she finds her voice, her tone filled with a mix of awe and bewilderment. “Sophia, your appearance… it keeps changing. It’s… it’s me. I mean, a year ago, you looked… pregnant! I almost thought you were, but now… now you look normal again.”
Her words hang in the air, leaving me utterly quiet as the memories of last year, which I desperately tried to bury, come swooping in.
Alexander…
It’s been a whole year since he disappeared, and it feels like he has been gone for an eternity. I sigh, not wanting to think about it, and I smile at Lily.
“It’s just my body constitution.” I stand up from my seat, packing my books into my backpack. “I’d better get going.”
She smiles and stands up, too. “I have to go too. I don’t want to miss the bus.”
I smile and wave at her as we part ways, “Bye, Lily.”
“Bye. See you tomorrow.”
After she is out of sight, I make a turn toward my apartment, desperate to hide how affected I am by her words.
In the past year, things seem to have returned back to normal, and Alexander’s appearance all feels like a dream. My father is back to normal, and my parents still dote on me. I continue to stay with Jake and Tyler, and they still order me around like always.
Everything seems perfect, and it feels as though meeting Alexander was only a thing from my past life.
I soon reach the doorstep of the apartment. The door is open, so I enter and close the door behind me.
“Sigh, those two must be asleep again,” I mutter to myself as I glance around the living room. Jake and Tyler can be quite the night owls, often staying up late into the night. I’m about to head to my room when I notice the scattered clothes and shoes strewn across the floor. A bottle of opened wine sits on the dining table, accompanied by two glasses.
My eyes narrow, and I can’t help but shake my head in exasperation. It seems Jake has brought yet another one of his flings home for the night. I sigh, feeling a mix of annoyance and resignation. Jake’s ability to change women as effortlessly as he changes his clothes never ceases to amaze me.
I’m about to retreat to the sanctuary of my room, hoping to avoid any awkward encounters, when a series of unmistakable moaning sounds reaches my ears. My cheeks instantly flush with embarrassment as I realize the source of the noise-it’s coming from Jake’s room.
I groan inwardly, my irritation growing. Why can’t he take his rendezvous outside or at least keep it down? The walls of this apartment are thin, and it’s impossible to escape the sounds of his escapades.
Rolling my eyes, I mutter to myself, “Can’t he have some decency and privacy? I don’t need to hear all of this.”
I take a deep breath, trying to regain my composure. It’s moments like these when living with Jake and Tyler can be a bit overwhelming. They’re good friends, but their carefree and sometimes reckless lifestyle clashes with my more reserved and introverted nature.
Reminding myself that it won’t last forever, I make a quick decision. I grab my headphones from the nearby table and plug them into my phone, turning up the volume to drown out the unwanted noises. With music blasting in my ears, I escape to my room, grateful for the respite it provides.