One Hundred and Twenty One

CHAPTER 121

Dr. Benneth entered the room and began to examine Brittany. Alicia, who had just finished cleaning herself, entered the room and greeted Dr. Benneth with a nurse named Christine. Alicia put her hands in her pockets when she came face to face with Dr. Benneth and after Dr. Benneth finished with the notes in his hand, he greeted Alicia.

"Did you just finish your breakfast, Ms. Alicia?"

Dr. Benneth accepted Alicia's identity as Brittany's guardian because Brittany's parents were out of the country and would be returning to New York later that evening. Alicia was fine with the paperwork and everything, as long as she could confirm for herself that Brittany was okay.

Alicia nodded, agreeing with the doctor's question. "Yes, Doc. How is Brittany doing, by the way?"

The man in the white coat muttered under his breath. He looked at Brittany who was also looking at him curiously.

Dr. Benneth glanced at Alicia before turning his attention back to Brittany. He adjusted his glasses and maintained a calm demeanor. "Brittany's recovery is going well, considering the circumstances. Physically, she is responding positively to her treatment."

Alicia's shoulders relaxed slightly at the reassuring news. She leaned in, concern etched on her face. "And emotionally? How is she doing? Do I need to worry about all these conditions?"

The doctor hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Emotionally... a bit more complex. She's very strong, but the trauma of the accident has left its mark. She may become withdrawn, but as long as you and her closest friends can comfort her, I don't think there will be a problem. It all takes time and everyone's time is different."

Alicia's brow furrowed. "Is there anything we can do to help her through this?"

Dr. Benneth paused for a moment, pondering Alicia's question. He took a seat nearby, his expression serious yet compassionate. "Support, patience, and understanding are essential. Brittany needs a sense of normalcy, of stability during this period of upheaval. Closeness will help her calm down."

Alicia nodded, absorbing the advice. "What about her hobbies? She used to love shopping and hanging out with her friends. Would that help?"

Dr. Benneth's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Of course! Engaging in activities that she enjoys can help her recovery. It gives her an outlet, a way to express herself. Meeting positive people will help her get energized, won't it?"

After listening to all that explanation, Brittany spoke up. "I still have pain all over my body, Doc!"

Dr. Beneth laughed softly and patted the back of Brittany's hand as she lay on her bed. "That's normal. You were in an accident, Britt. It's going to take some treatment for you to recover. You should stay here so we can monitor whether or not your head injury is causing any severe side effects. So far, how are you feeling, Brittany?"

"Um. My head hurts a lot, it spins now and then." Brittany looked at Dr. Benneth. "Is that bad?"

Dr. Benneth's face softened with relief. "This is common after a head injury. We'll keep a close eye on you to make sure everything heals properly. You're in good hands."

Brittany's lips trembled, showing her efforts to remain calm. "I just want this to be over. I want to go home."

Alicia squeezed Brittany's hand. "We'll get through this together, Britt. We're all here for you."

Dr. Benneth leaned in, his voice soft. "Patience is the key. The human body has an amazing capacity to heal. It may take time, but we will help you regain your normal life."

Brittany managed a faint smile, her eyes flickering with hope. "Okay, I'll give it a try."

As Brittany drifted off into a deep sleep, Alicia turned to Dr. Sue. "How much longer until she's better? Really better?"

"It's hard to pinpoint an exact time," Dr. Benneth admitted. "But with consistent treatment, therapy, and support from loved ones, she will make significant steps. We'll take it step by step."

Alicia and Brittany exchanged glances when Dr. Beneth finally got up from the chair beside the hospital bed. He looked at the two of them in turn before taking off the glasses he was wearing and smiling. "I think I've explained enough. I'll be leaving now. The nurse will give you your medication at noon, so make sure you finish your lunch, Britt."

"Yes, Doctor."

Dr. Benneth walked away, leaving the two of them in the hospital room. Meanwhile, Alicia pulled a chair closer to Brittany.

"Did you call my parents?" Brittany asked.

And Alicia nodded in the affirmative. "They're on their way back from Miami. Did they have a business trip?"

"Not really, they call it a honeymoon," Brittany replied simply. She tried to shrug her shoulders in indifference, then let out a long sigh. "I think they're going through their second puberty, Alicia."

"Tsk, that's ridiculous."

"Yeah, they are silly," Brittany said. "By the way... you can leave me to my business with Nicholas. You guys are investigating your parents' deaths, right?"

Alicia's eyes widened, surprised by Brittany's mention of an ongoing investigation. She hesitated, pondering how much to reveal.

"Right, but... how did you know?" Alicia asked, her curiosity piqued.

Brittany managed a faint smile despite her weakened state. "I heard about it from Nicholas. But I didn't get to come when your parents died, after all, the sudden death of your mother and father was something you wanted to keep secret from everyone, wasn't it? Didn't it all make so much sense to you that you didn't want anyone to know?"

Alicia studied Brittany's expression, gauging the seriousness in her eyes. "No, it doesn't. But you need to focus on getting better, Brittany. Nicholas and I will handle this."

Brittany's gaze hardened. "Alicia, promise me. Promise me you won't ignore anything, no matter how strange it may seem. I ignored Kevin's strange behavior and this is what happened."

Alicia nodded solemnly, feeling a chill run down her spine. She had never seen Brittany so serious, so intent on unraveling this mystery. "I promise."