Consequences

accident in the woods. When we found you, your jeans and boots were all muddy, and you had multiple injuries. Did you fall? Did you slip? Did someone or something hurt you out there? We have had the woods searched. Nothing was found. Claire, we have been so worried about you.”
    The stiffness in her neck made turning it painful, and the dizziness made focusing difficult. She could hear Catherine. Someone was with her. Was it the doctor? Whoever he was, he was right in front of her; an older man with a very pleasant encouraging deep voice.
    “Ms. Nichols, I am Dr. Leonard. I’ve been taking care of you since Mr. Rawlings found you in the woods. Can you talk to me?”
    Claire lifted her right hand to her throat. It tired her to make the slightest movement.
    “Catherine, could you please get Ms. Nichols some water?” Catherine hurried for the liquid. Claire watched as Catherine came back with a glass and a straw. She handed it to the doctor, who put the straw to Claire’s lips. “Drink slowly, your stomach has been empty for a while.” Claire began to sip. The water felt cool and refreshing. She kept drinking. The doctor talked to Tony. Claire continued to drink. She could feel the invigorating liquid lubricate her throat. As she sipped she could only hear a buzz inside her head. The doctor’s lips moved as did Tony’s, but the only sound was the buzz. He removed the straw from her lips. The buzzing ceased.
    “Please, that was so good,” Claire spoke. The room went silent. Everyone turned to her.
    “Claire, thank god. How do you feel?” Tony leaned over her. She realized she wasn’t in her bed, it was a hospital bed. That made sense. She wondered how she’d sat up. But she wasn’t in a hospital room, it was her suite.
    “I feel . . . I feel . . . tired . . . and kind of dizzy” Her voice quivered weakly with uncertainty and pain.
    Dr. Leonard asked Tony and Catherine to allow him to examine Claire alone. Catherine agreed and began to leave but Tony stayed, saying that Claire wouldn’t mind him being there. Claire started to say it was all right, Tony could stay. Dr. Leonard continued, “Mr. Rawlings, I realize you hired me. However, as a medical doctor, I need to see and talk to Ms. Nichols alone. You will be welcomed back as soon as we are done.” Tony just stared at Dr. Leonard. The doctor continued, “Mr. Rawlings, she is not related to you. We should allow her some privacy.”
    Claire watched and thought Tony can handle this. It’s his battle. But he didn’t battle. “I am sorry. You are right. It is just that it has been so long since she has been awake. I don’t want to leave her.” Standing, he continued, “But I will. I will be right outside the door. Please call me when you are finished.” Then he leaned over, kissed Claire on her forehead, and left the room.
    The doctor spoke soothingly as he helped Claire remove her nightgown and removed tubes. Claire mindlessly thought that the doctor’s breath smelled like coffee, she liked coffee. He pushed on her side and asked if it hurt. He touched her face, her cheek, her temple, did any of it hurt? He examined her head, touching her skull, front and back, and near the neck. Then he focused on her arms and legs. Lastly he touched her back, pushing harder in some spots. Claire could see the remnants of the bruises on her arms, legs, and midsection. She could feel them elsewhere. Her back and midsection hurt the most from the doctor’s pressure, and her face felt tender. Looking at her legs covered in brown and yellow marks, she wondered if her face looked as bad as her legs. After he finished with his examination, and yes, no questions, he helped her put her nightgown back on.
    “Ms. Nichols, I need you to be completely honest with me, do you understand?” Claire said she did, but she was getting very tired. “Please tell me what you remember from the night of your accident.”
    “Dr. Leonard, I am very tired and my memories are fuzzy.” As she spoke her head continued to buzz. Her throat felt raw. The combination made talking difficult.
    “It’s all right. Let me put your bed back.” He pushed the button to recline the bed and continued to inquire, “Now please, what do you remember?”
    The fatigue overwhelmed Claire. Abruptly her stomach revolted against the water. Initially queasy, she instantly knew she would be sick. “Doctor, I’m going to get sick.”
    She sat up. He grabbed a basin, and the water she drank