[Center][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/627389932335529985/816886803599851600/34537586443536786453.png[/img] [color=F0E68C][h3]Monday, September 1st | Empire State University | NYC / NY | 20XX[/h3][/color][/Center] [hr] [Center][color=F0E68C]"[i]Damn it![/i] Get back here!"[/color][/Center] Lindy Audrum was running through the streets, chasing after a particular woman that bumped into her minutes ago. It hadn't taken long at all for the girl to notice that she'd been robbed of her wallet, and she was eager to catch up to the thief as she continuously tried to duck out of view. Not only was this thief fast, but she was also taller; Leaving Lindy at a clear disadvantage aside from her sheer determination to keep up. It was stressful to realize where the thief had taken them; The university had plenty of paved paths and places for her to use to disappear. Damn, she'd never catch up in there! As they approached though, Lindy noticed the thief seem to completely lose her senses at the bottom of the stairs leading to the courtyard. Actually, a few folks in the area were having similar reactions: Reaching at their faces, itching, seeming to be in pain. Concern crossed the girl's face as she hurried down the stairs to get her wallet back, but now also check on the thief's condition as she seemed to be reacting to something serious. This lack of caution proved to be a problem, as Lindy's senses went wild; Noticing too late that there was a sort of red gas leaking from the university building. What the fuck had they just walked into?! Lindy found herself stumbling, falling onto her rear as her eyes burned and her skin [i]tingled[/i] with no better word to process the feeling. [color=F0E68C]"What [i]Is[/i] this?"[/color] Lindy questioned, disbelief in her voice mixed with pain as she scratched her face, trying to get the itch to go away. This only resulted in her seeing something on her hand; It was a crimson color. Her blood. She quickly reached back to her face, finding the source; Her nose was bleeding! Panic set in, but the girl prioritized the thief. Looking up, Lindy was surprised to see her just stumbling away; Even though she had to feel the exact same way, right? How was she dragging herself away like that? [color=F0E68C]"W-Wait!"[/color] She shouted, reaching for her phone to call about the emergency. She could get them help, she didn't need to run! Though Lindy was confused when she turned her head, realizing she'd dropped her phone. In fact, her arm was limp. Her breathing was getting heavier, and while she wanted to try and help, all she could do is attempt to reach out for her phone with her other hand; In which she flopped onto the ground, nose hitting the paved ground below. Her hand scrambled, trying to get the phone still. Her head barely tilted upward enough to see despite the fall, but the damn phone was too far away. She crawled forward, attempting to get that extra reach, but soon it was over. Her hand fell flat, and she couldn't hold her head up anymore. She felt the tears well up through the burning feeling, as she laid there momentarily with nothing but fear for her life. She gritted her teeth with what strength she had left as she drifted away, losing all consciousness. [Center] [color=F0E68C][h3]Friday, September 5th | Greenwich Hospital | NYC / NY | 20XX[/h3][/color][/Center] [hr] This week had been hell. Since the incident, Lindy had been hospitalized. It'd been terrifying for the girl, who'd never really spent more than a night in a hospital room, and that was [i]with[/i] a parent. The screaming from the other rooms at times, the panic of the nurses and doctors alike. It was overwhelming and Lindy hadn't the ability to block it out. The TV was nowhere loud enough, and no amount of pillows seemed to help either. She eventually gave up, and today she'd just been surprised that things had gotten quiet on her floor. She was feeling a lot better, too. Though she doubted the two had any relevance to one-another. A knock on the door caught her attention. A doctor walked in, clipboard in hand. He had a neutral expression, but it slowly curved into a smile at the sight the Lindy; Maybe it was just him seeing her in good health, or a farce to try and keep her from worrying. Regardless, it was there now. [b]"Good morning, Miss Audrum! You've seemed to recover faster than we could have anticipated."[/b] He said, approaching the bed. [color=F0E68C]"Really?! Does that mean I can leave soon?"[/color] Lindy excitedly asked, the idea of going home sounding excellent to her. [b]Not quite, miss. You can't be discharged until tomorrow, but the floor has been confirmed to not be contagious, so the patients are allowed to stretch their legs a bit."[/b] He informed, staying positive. [b]I'd suggest the waiting room out your door and down the left hall. A few of the patients have gathered over there. Might be good to talk after being locked away for a few days."[/b] Lindy wasn't exactly surprised, but was still disappointed. [color=F0E68C]"Well, thank you, sir. I'll try and go down there in a few minutes!"[/color] She liked the idea of talking to folks, or at least getting a snack while she was over there. The doctor nodded and left, Lindy now knowing she had today at least to deal with in this hospital, decided to jump up and venture out. She figured her body would react worse to being bedridden for days, but she felt pretty good! She did a few little hops and stretches and didn't find herself with any problems, so she figured heading out would be okay. She reached for the door and opened it, peeking out and recalling what the man had said. Turning left and going down the hall, Lindy couldn't help but peer into some of the rooms as she passed by. She saw the occasional crying family, one in particular was silent and hooked up to a lot of machinery, seemingly all alone. Lindy felt so bad for these people, looking at her own hands and wondering why she had been so lucky while they weren't. The whole idea of the attack in the first place was crazy... Why the university? What did they accomplish attacking a bunch of students? Lindy didn't feel like thinking too hard on it right now, so she instead focused on the sign up ahead that showed her where the waiting room was. [Center] [color=8493ca][i]"Hey, Lindy!"[/i][/color] [Hider=Matty Jaeger][img]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/628604259478536196/818369613247021066/89738213658.png?width=410&height=595[/img][/Hider][/Center] As Lindy rounded the corner and entered the waiting room, a voice soon caught her off guard; Her eyes scanned the area, noticing a familiar head of blue hair. She almost felt her jaw drop to the floor, the surprise causing her eyes to widen. What the hell was Matty doing here? [color=F0E68C]"Don't tell me you got caught up in that situation, too!"[/color] She was a bit panicky, but glad he at least seemed alright. He was a year older than her and a solid nine inches taller, but she considered him a friend. He was probably the person she was closest to in her krav classes. [color=8493ca]"Yeah, I did!"[/color] Matty responded, seeming to be freaking out a bit. [color=8493ca]"I'm more surprised to see you here! Guess it was just wrong place wrong time, yeah Lind?"[/color] [color=F0E68C]"I got robbed and chased the thief into the university."[/color] Lindy answered, annoyed by the memory. [color=F0E68C]"They stole my damn wallet, and I ended up cracking my phone. As if this wasn't enough of a pain, right?"[/color] Matty smacked his fist into his open palm. [color=8493ca]"Well I say we hunt 'em down once we get out and beat their ass for it!"[/color] He aggressively stated, eyes determined. [color=8493ca]"It'll be a good warm-up for when I fight Xander again."[/color] [color=F0E68C]"You still on about that?"[/color] Lindy replied, rolling her eyes. Matty was so petty sometimes; He took his loss to Xander pretty hard, and while he had been polite face-to-face he was more of a sore loser behind the scenes. [color=F0E68C]"It wasn't that big of a deal. He's a talented guy, and he beat you. He would've beat me, too."[/color] [color=8493ca]"Yeah, 'cause you would've thrown the match."[/color] Matty retorted, somewhat spitefully. This caused Lindy's eyes to widen into a glare to which Matty didn't budge. [color=8493ca]"Don't give me that. You know how obvious it was you threw your match so you didn't have to risk dealing with Xander!"[/color] Lindy went quiet. She was hoping nobody knew about that, and wasn't going to openly admit it either. [color=F0E68C]"I did my best, just like you."[/color] She stated firmly, intentions to not budge being very clear. Did he seriously not consider the sheer difference in size, body mass, among other things? Yeah, Xander was real damn scary, and she didn't want to fight him. It was too much pressure. [color=8493ca]"We're nearly equals, Lindy."[/color] Matty stated, seeing through her lie. [color=8493ca]"You would be way better than me if you weren't cowardly. Chickening out dishonors Hassan, too!"[/color] [color=F0E68C]"What the hell, Matty! Hassan doesn't think less of us for losing!"[/color] Lindy realized they were raising their voices, and looked around, noticing eyes on her and her taller friend. She shrunk down with a bit of embarrassment for causing a scene in a hospital, but shot a glare at Matty. [color=F0E68C]"We're making a scene now. I'm glad you're okay but I think it's better if we just leave each other alone for now."[/color] Matty had a scowl on his face that honestly caused a bit of discomfort in Lindy's gut. [color=8493ca]"Yeah, you're right."[/color] He replied, turning away. [color=8493ca]"Glad you're okay too. See ya."[/color] Matty walked off, out of the waiting room to where Lindy could only assume was his own room. She felt her stomach in knots after that conversation, the odd tension from Matty these last few months really starting to get to her. He's usually okay, but he just got a bit overwhelming at times. She figured he'd feel better once they were back in classes soon, maybe being cooped up for days was just really getting to him. She figured she'd let it go, instead deciding to check out the vending machine and see what kind of snacks were there. She was pretty hungry, and it seemed there was not only a snack machine but also a machine with actual food in it, like those packaged burgers. Oh, god, one of the burgers even had jalapenos on it. She wanted that one! The girl was about to reach to her pockets for money, but realized she was missing something key. A item that held money. Also everything else important in her day to day life. That thief... Her [i]wallet...[/i] The girl looked down at the floor, disappointed. [i][color=F0E68C]"Aw, man..."[/color][/i] [Center][color=F0E68C][h3]Saturday, September 6th | Greenwich Hospital Lobby | NYC / NY | 20XX[/h3][/color][/Center] [hr] Lindy found herself riding down an elevator. It was finally time to go home, and she was excited. This hospital had left her uncomfortable, and the sight of her parents was just what she needed. The girl perked up as the elevator stopped, the door opening slowly revealing people ready to go upstairs to multiple other floors, she'd assume. A lot of people were going home, and that was a good thing. Though on the news, she saw the death tolls. Her heart was sunk, feeling bad about the whole situation, though there was nothing a girl like her could do. She walked out, passing by adults and teens alike, slowly making her way down the hall. Gift Shop was booming, it seemed. She wondered how many people waited until they let others inside? So many loved ones lost, but some were reunited. Why would they take away family from these people? What was the point of such unnecessary violence? She'd never understand, or at least it felt that way. [color=fdc68a]"Oh, thank [i]god![/i]"[/color] Lindy's view shot back in front of her, noticing a man running at her fast. Before she knew it, he scooped her up into a hug, holding her close. After the shock passed, Lindy managed to observe and realize it was her dad. [color=F0E68C]"Dad!"[/color] Lindy returned the enthusiasm, hugging him tight. The man wheezed, setting her down, grunting that she was squeezing him too tight. They pulled apart, though Lindy grabbed his hand not wanting to be away again like that. Those days felt so long, without them around. [color=fdc68a]"We were so worried about you! Are you okay? Did the doctors fully clear you? Do you need to pick up medication on the way home from a pharmacy? Any instructions--"[/color] [color=F0E68C]"I'm okay, Dad!"[/color] Lindy assured, quieting his concern. [color=F0E68C]"The doctors said I had an all-clear! We can head home!"[/color] She was feeling good now that her dad was here; His love made her feel joyful, and like this was behind her. She walked by, dragging him along much to his panic. [color=fdc68a]"Good, but I'd like to read the discharge papers regardless, okay? The car's parked out in the lot, so let me take the lead."[/color] He said, shifting ahead of her, causing Lindy to slow down a bit. They were quick to exit the hospital, going out to the parking lot. It took them a few minutes, but they eventually found the car. Her dad was a bit of a scatterbrain. [color=F0E68C]"You had to park way out here, didn't you?"[/color] Lindy commented, amused. [color=fdc68a]"This place has been packed, a lot of people are waiting on seeing their loved ones again. This was the best spot I could snatch."[/color] He admitted, a push of the button on his key unlocking the doors of his vehicle. He got into the driver's seat, and Lindy walked around to get into the passenger side. Unfortunately, the doors had a stupid quirk of locking once shut, so it just lead to Lindy going to the passenger side, yanking the door handle... Straight off the car. [color=F0E68C]"Oh [i]my[/i] god!"[/color] She exclaimed, looking at the item in her hand. Her dad blankly stared for a second, before processing what happened. [color=fdc68a]"Oh dear! How did that happen?!"[/color] He questioned before leaning over and opening the door from his side. He pushed it open, giving her access to the car, which Lindy quickly crawled in with the doorhandle in tow. [color=F0E68C]"Sorry, Dad... It just kinda fell off."[/color] She said, shrugging as she put on her seatbelt. The two of them didn't know what just happened, but it was probably just a fluke with the car. They could get repairs at a later date. [color=fdc68a]"Well don't worry about that, honey. We can always replace a door handle!"[/color] He stated, starting the car and backing out of the lot. Lindy still felt bad, but just sort of popped open the glovebox and left it in there, figuring it was a small problem at the moment. She looked out the window and felt her chest ache, feeling anxious all of a sudden. She hoped this wasn't a start to a bad day, she was honestly hungry and a bit sleepy still. She began thinking about fixing these issues, but wasn't quite sure what she wanted. Until a stomach growl gave her dad the opportunity to speak up again. [color=fdc68a]"How about we have something special for dinner tonight? We could order from the Lucky Star and I can go pick it up."[/color] Her father offered, and stars essentially appeared in Lindy's eyes. [color=F0E68C]"That sounds great, Dad! But it's not evening yet, so what're we doing for [i]now[/i]?"[/color] She questioned, rubbing her stomach as she was legitimately ready to eat anything offered. [color=fdc68a]"I'll cook a nice lunch when we get back, don't worry."[/color] He assured her, focusing on his driving. Lindy decided to just lay back and relax, holding him to that offer. She found herself yawning in her seat, before slowly drifting off as she thought about her first taste of freedom she'd had this week. Maybe it was just a fluke. Her dad seemed to be calm, so why not her? She was sure after what she'd went through, it was smooth sailing from here... She just needed to take the day and relax.