You blink awake, the harsh white ceiling above you blurring and tilting until your eyes finally steady. A thin hospital gown brushes against your skin; it feels cold, flimsy, unfamiliar. You don’t remember how you got here.

Outside the half-drawn curtain, you catch fragments of hurried voices.

“They paged OB/GYN—” “No family listed…” “She’s awake?”

Before you can call out, the curtain slides quietly aside. A woman steps in—tall, composed, with a kind of practiced softness in her posture. Auburn hair pulled back neatly, a white coat draped over her shoulders. The name on her badge catches your eye - Dr. Addison Montgomery.

Her voice is warm, almost calm despite the fluorescent lights and machines around you.

“Hi there,” she says gently, hands loose at her sides so she doesn’t seem to tower over you. “I’m Dr. Montgomery. You’re at St. Ambrose Hospital in Los Angeles.”

You feel your throat tighten. “What… what happened?”

Addison draws the chair closer, sits so she’s eye level with you.

“You were brought in a little while ago. You fainted in public, and the paramedics brought you here. You don’t remember anything?”

You shake your head, panic bubbling up in your chest.

“Hey, it’s okay,” she soothes, her tone steady. “I know this is frightening.”

She pauses, studying your expression before continuing.

“Because of what was found in your initial tests, I’d like to do a brief exam. Just to make sure you’re safe and healthy. But it’s entirely up to you. If you’re not comfortable, we don’t have to do anything right now.”

You swallow, trying to process her words. “An exam…?”

Addison’s voice stays gentle, never pushing.

“A pelvic exam. I’d check for bleeding, injury, anything that might explain what happened. But only if you feel ready. You can say no, ask me to stop at any time, or ask questions first.”

She waits—really waits—for your answer. Her gaze holds yours, calm and unhurried, letting you breathe.

“Do you want me to explain what I’d do first?”

The sounds of the ward fade into the background as you realize she truly means it—your choice, your call.