Robbed in black and decorated by purple embroidery. Where those swirls of violet grew to patterned mimicry akin to walls and mountains. Sewn on that jacket's hem. A marshal of the Iso Association stood in the hallway. Holding back a lady of muddied-red hair with a displeased face.

  "Come on," Albel said, "I'm a certified practitioner with the Alteo-"

  The marshal spoke, "Alteo Association and have all certification for both medical and mental needs. You've said this three times already."

  "So you must know that I-"

  "No."

  Frustrating. As if the beholden urgency only brushed against her fingers. Albel glared with arms crossed towards the man who stood shorter than her. Although the superior height those of the nation's defensive association held weight. Even when she rushed past into the room with desperation a single arm denied.

  Sudden news of a friend's hospitalization came abruptly. Mere moments prior she tended to a sudden evaluation within the facility this morning. To discuss and analysis a perpetrator of attempted murder. All remained the norm till she read those involved. Then her feet fled. Telling the lead her relations and ineligibility led to the moment.

  Now all that could be done at the moment was patience. Although the need, she paced still. Memories of the prior night flashed with guilt. Tragedy struck minutes after her parting if those reports were true. Marching back and forth he mind rang. What would she tell the caretakers? What about those kids? What of...

  Steps echoed down the hallway. Walking without rush yet held a heavy stride. Another of purple embroidery, akin to vines, appeared and behind a placid man followed. One she knew well.

  "Not part of the dissection?" Menor asked as the marshals exchanges words.

  "No," Albel replied, "Biased connection... Thanks for saving Ama's life."

  "Happenstance."

  "Still you have my gratitude." Albel sighed. "A bit alarming if things turned out differently."

  Menor agreed.

  As the two discussed, beyond the door, within the room Amaryllis sat hunched. Tucked in the cotton blanket as those around her moved akin to clockwork. During those moments she quietly contemplated, yet not of the wound nor the event. But of duties. Although her side was bandaged, discomfort remained as the numbing agent gradually faded. To numb and stitch. The usual method she learned, but never expected to experience.

  Under the doctor's orders she carefully moved her body. With the assistance of nurses she moved her arms. Then legs and finally her torso. Only the pain within the last movements made her comment. Soreness. She spoke with modest words. Where she gave out a woeful laugh.

  Acceptable. The doctor wrote upon a clipboard and gestured to the nurse. Pointing towards the door. Mentioning that at minimum the lass would need to reside here for at least a week. With a full recovery lasting much longer. Although the situation, he provided words of encouragement before leaving to tend other patients.

  When the door opened the first to enter was one of the marshals with Menor a step behind. Who's hair she remembered from the prior night. Compelled she struggled to leave her bed insisting the need to stand. However the nurse's strong grip upon her shoulder held. Seeing those actions the official told the lass to stay down. She needed to focus on recover as he came for a short testimony.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Nodding Amaryllis answered a handful of questions. Of where, was, and what she done to and prior that incident. Through those words she carefully spoke. Speaking how she headed home after finishing errands. Where she delivered groceries and necessities around the neighborhood. Afterwards grabbing a drink with a friend.

  After confirming the testimony the marshal closed his small notepad. For a second he pondered. Enrichment. The official asked if the lass knew a group of such a name. She shook her head with confusion. However the instant the room's door closed it flung open.

  The Albel launched forward. Holding Amaryllis' cheeks she asked a flurry of questions regarding her health. Quickly scanning her friend's form. Red-ish face, unkept hair, no eyebags. Phew. She sighed with relief before sitting on the bed and began to tease. A tint of sadness colored her eyes as she noticed the bandages.

  Once again facing a slew of inquires the rose-haired lass reassured her senior. Flashing a grand smile to show. However such a grin faded to one of concern while muttering in regards to her duties. Suddenly a hand chopped her head. A slight playful bop.

  Startled by the sudden contact the lass threw hands back. Yet winced after a bit of struggle. Pain hidden by a straight face as she held her side. As the opportunity presented itself Albel retorted. No. The young lady will not continue her errands.

  Instead rest till beyond her hospital discharge. While the neighborhood would be informed of how their errand girl became bed-bounded. Those kids at the orphanage could help too. Although those words were filled with care, a beg of rejection came. Pleading to not let anyone else know.

  Frowning, Albel said, "Nope, I promised the Misses."

  "But but," Amaryllis replied, "It would only bring trouble. It's currently the receding season-"

  "Did nearly dying mean nothing, you workaholic?!" Albel pulled a cheek.

  "-Once the first rain falls they'll be- ow ow ow. Stop that. They'll be too busy." She felt a stare. "H-how about this I'll go with you to South Dike's plantarium. I always pushed it off, so we can go once I'm healed to celebrate."

  "This girl... Fine, I'll won't say what happened."

  Still holding a judging stare the elder of the two sighed. Rubbing her forehead in an attempt to unravel an excuse from a tangle of thoughts. What would she say? Something that had to be believable, yet not a lie.

  Menor spoke up. Such caused the pair to jump in fright. Trial studies would make a proper excuse he claimed. Especially those involving none-disclosure agreements. A handful of aspiring students usually took part for low effort compensation.

  Two stares gazed at the man, stunned. They had completely forgotten his existence. Vanished as they bantered. His departure followed the marshal? Right? Why was he still here?

  Ah. Snapping back Albel cleared her throat. Acting as the midpoint she introduced both of the parties.

  "M-m-m-m-MENOR!" Amaryllis shouted, turning to her friend "HE! HIM!"

  "Nothing more, nothing less." Menor replied.

  "Eh? You know him?" Albel asked, "I always thought you were socially unaware."

  "How could I not! He's like THE name at Eastline."

  Rolling her eyes, Albel smirked. The sight of panicked gratitude confirmed the state of her friend. To the extent that the lass hid her face within her hands. An aversion to embarrassment it seemed. Such brought forth a giggle and thawed worrisome atmosphere.

  With relief towards her friend's well-being, the lady turned her attention to Menor. Teasing how he should of left minutes ago. Nevertheless she offered compensation to replay his act of savior. Only to find refusal despite the insistence. Claiming he had business with the Cadastral Association.

  Intrigued, she asked if the man aimed to sweep the grant contest once more. To such he shook his head. Unfortunately not he claimed. Other affairs called. Especially since he had his own acquaintance to manage. Avoiding trouble.

  Hearing the mention of the grant contest, Amaryllis froze for a moment. Recalling her thoughts of the night prior. Courage she barely mustered trampled by happenstance. Now she held no chance. Although even if she could, she doubted her efforts would bloom anything worthwhile.

  After several more exchanges of inquires, the man departed with a brief farewell. Leaving as fast as he arrived. Quite the blunt character Albel commented. Framing the individual as the perfect example of those so called greats. Such brought laughter from the pair. Then before long even she had to leave. Providing a brief hug as she left while reminder the lass to stay put.

  Seeing her friend off Amaryllis was left alone. Even the nurse went off a bit ago to tend others. Once more her cheerful expression faded as she traced the patterns upon her blanket. With not to do she collapsed into her bed. Her sight stuck staring at the bland ceiling and walls. Left to mull over the day.

  If only she held more ambition she thought.