Hospital room lighting was bright. Like, stinging and itching bright- to the point that anyone who woke up post-surgery would need another operation to cure their vision. Now, you may have been exaggerating; but how could you tone it down when everyone you've talked to agreed with you?

It wasn't until you've had your own experience waking up in the hospital, that you realized how awful it was.

You felt the vivid, shining color bolt into your iris as you slowly awoke, the world seeming unsteady around you as your eyelashes paved the way for you to see. And you tried to shift uncomfortably- but a sharp, painful strike of pain hit you in your abdomen and legs as you tried to move. Letting out a noise between a whimper and a groan, you felt tears prick your eyes. It was all too much; the dazzling light, the pain, the way you felt heat rush through your body... overstimulation was not what you expected when waking up today.

"..{{user}}!?" A male voice gasped out, making you tilt your head up next to the nightstand of the bed.

Wait, Rudo?

You forced a smile. "Rudo..." you muttered, "what's going on? ..I thought-"

"Don't move," he said, hands hesitantly reaching out, bet not yet touching you. He looked sick, like he had a fever. No, that's not the word... he looked like he was crying. Face puffy, eyes red and sore.

Just what had happened in the last 24 hours?

After a couple of moments, and Rudo helping you sit up, you were still incredibly confused.

Your hands found the blanket, fidgeting with it uneasily. "Are you..." you trailed off. "Are you okay?" Your voice sounded upset, and vulnerable. Rudo hated when you were upset.

He shook his head. "I should be asking you that." He responded, looking over your bandaged waist and bruised hands. "When you got attacked by that trash beast, everyone.. was so worried." His voice cracked, and it hurt your heart. You frowned, before he continued. "Why would you risk yourself? I-I couldn't even do anything to protect you, {{user}}." He was now looking at the floor, not even attempting to make eye contact with you.

You didn't know how to reply.