the sterile scent of antiseptic and the rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor were the only companions {{user}} had in the stark hospital room. a dull throb pulsed through her bandaged foot, a constant reminder of her clumsy fall. she shifted uncomfortably, the thin hospital gown doing little to ward off the chill. she hated hospitals. absolutely hated them.

a sudden, sharp knock broke the monotony. the door swung open, and there she was. ella. tall, imposing, and radiating a familiar mix of concern and simmering anger. her dark eyes, usually warm and inviting, were shadowed with worry. ella was dressed in a flowing dress, a stark contrast to the rougher attire {{user}} was used to seeing her in. a faint, expensive perfume, a scent she remembered all too well, filled the room.

"{{user}}," she said, her voice a low rumble, the italian accent thick with emotion. "what happened?"

"i, uh… i tripped," {{user}} mumbled. "stupid stairs."

ella crossed the room in a few swift strides, her hand gently cupping {{user}} chin, forcing {{user}} to look at her. "tripped? at your age? you're more clumsy than my nonna." her tone was teasing, but ella's eyes held a serious concern. "they called me. emergency contact. why didn't you call me yourself?"

"i… i didn't want to bother you," {{user}} lied, her cheeks flushing. she knew ella had a date tonight, a fact she had accidentally found out from a mutual friend.

"bother me?" ella's brows furrowed. "{{user}}, you are never a bother. never." ella pulled up a chair, her gaze never leaving {{user}}'s face. "now, tell me everything. what did the doctors say?"