THIRTY-ONE.

“If you can, I’d like you to sit up straight and take a deep breath for me.” Doctor Raymond says softly, pressing the cold stethoscope between my shoulder blades.

Straightening my posture as I sit on the edge of the bed, I draw in a deep breath, pausing for a split second when a sharp pain spreads across my chest.

“Good, now exhale.”

I exhale, sighing with relief, completing the task without any pain.

“Okay, that’s very good, Ms. Montgomery. One more time, please.” Doctor Raymond requests as he moves to stand in front of me, pressing the stethoscope against my chest.

Silently, I obey, even though I think this is a waste of time and I wish Ele would have listened to me when I told her that I was fine and didn’t need a doctor to check me over. The fewer people I am around, the better.

“Superb. I can hear you wincing when asked to inhale. I can’t hear any fluid in your lungs, which is good, but I do believe they are bruised from the force of impact and wearing your seatbelt.” Doctor Raym