Chapter 41: A Surprised Revelation  

Ruby

I lay on the sterile hospital bed, my gaze fixed on the plain, off-white ceiling. The harsh fluorescent lights flickered intermittently, casting a cold glow that seemed to accentuate the sterile environment.

The air was heavy with the unmistakable scent of antiseptic, a clinical aroma that permeated every corner of the room. It clung to my nostrils, invading my senses and evoking a sense of unease. I despised that smell. It reminds me of illness and vulnerability.

The room itself was stark and functional, devoid of any personal touches or warmth. The walls, painted in an uninspiring shade of pale blue, were barren except for a few nondescript medical charts and a clock that ticked away the seconds with ruthless efficiency. The linoleum floor squeaked underfoot as nurses hurried past, their footsteps echoing through the sterile corridors.

I closed my eyes momentarily, attempting to shut out the sterile environment that surrounded me. Instead, I focused on the sounds that seeped th