new chapter up!
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In the car, the girl was silent. Tears fell from her eyes as she looked outside. She was holding back her sobs. She was really trying hard. Suddenly it seemed like she had difficulty breathing.
“Miss, are you okay?”
The girl did not respond. But her breathing came out heavier and faster.
Hitomi took out her cellphone and dialed Ayaka’s number.
“Ayaka, doctor, my place, now.”
Upon hanging up, she sped up. EDSa (Highway 54) was now empty as it was almost 1 am.
She carried the girl from her car to her condominium unit where Ayaka and a doctor were waiting. Laying the girl down on her bed, Hitomi left her in the hands of the doctor.
Seeing the state of the girl, Ayaka did not inquire about her. “Should I prepare the guest bedroom?”
“No, don’t bother… I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep anyway.”
“…about the meeting tomorrow morning, I have spoken to Mai-chan, we can cover for you tomorrow…”
“No… I would prefer that you stay here and look after her” referring to the girl she rescued tonight. “I have to talk to the clients personally… and Mai still has a lot of things to do”
“Okay… but at least nap for a while. You need some rest. I will take care of everything, okay?”
Hitomi smiled at her friend “Thank you, Ayaka.”
“Enough with that. I’ll prepare the guest bedroom…” Ayaka proceeded to her chore.
Hitomi went to her bedroom to see the girl. She was now sleeping soundly.
The doctor gestured for Hitomi to follow her outside.
“How is she, doctor?”
“She had an asthma attack. It is probable that it was triggered by an emotional stimulus, as I don’t see any allergic reactions on her. Also, it seems that she’s been physically abused. Her bruises aren’t fresh but they are pretty recent... about 2 weeks since she got them. Her shoulder was strained but it’s nothing serious. There is also one thing…. but I’m not sure…”
Hitomi suddenly gave an inquisitive look.
“She won't speak-- she’s not deaf and I don’t see any abnormality in her larynx and pharynx, so i know that she is not mute. She may have been traumatized. Physically, she just needs bed rest and some pain reliever. I’m not sure about the other things so you can consult with other doctors about that. Given other circumtances, I would advise you to find her family and take her home to them but given the state that you found her in, I hope you just take care of her until she's all better. ”
Hitomi simply nodded and received the prescriptions and her recommendations for the girl. Just before leaving, the doctor looked back at Hitomi.
“Take good care of her. She needs someone like you. Her name is Rika.”
“Rika…” Hitomi repeated as the doctor closed the door.