Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"Time for your pills," Max announced, cradling a glass of water as he perched at the edge of my bed.

Through my groggy haze, I could barely make out the white pills and the glass he held, but my head kept flopping back. With no other choice, he gently supported my neck to help me swallow the pills. "Bitter..." I instinctively spat out the pills because they were so bitter.

Seemingly of their own accord, my arms wrapped around Max's waist. "You're so warm. I'm cold..."

"Take your pills, and you'll warm up," Max assured me.

"So bitter. I don't want to," I whined, turning my head away stubbornly.

But then, the next moment, he held my chin, and suddenly, something soft pressed against my lips, followed by the bitter taste mixed with the smooth texture of water sliding down my throat. I sucked in greedily. However, he quickly pulled away. As he did, my body, unwilling to let go, bit down on his lip, but he still pushed me away, muttering, "Taking advantage."

Perhaps the medicine was starting to work. I no longer felt as cold or desperate for a warm embrace. I lay there obediently, on the verge of sleep yet still vaguely aware. I could sense Max waking and leaving my room, the actions slowly registering in my mind. My consciousness was beginning to clear up a bit.

What had I just done to Max? Did he say I was taking advantage? Was he talking about me taking advantage of him or him of me? Oh God, I instinctively pulled the covers over my head.

Ms. Floyd feeling any better?" I heard Ronald's voice

her medicine," Max

What happened?

who had bitten

Max's response, but I heard Ronald burst into laughter. "Dr. Hilton, why did you choose her

nothing like that. Claire's academic records showed top marks in all her medical courses, especially anatomy and cardiac

analyzed my qualifications. Indeed, it was because of my strong performance in those areas that I secured a research

darling, no matter how hard you are on her, she is still a precious

drifted off into a heavy sleep, throughout which Max seemed

I finally

to shield my eyes from the glaring light, felt sore

spotted a bruise on my forehead. My hair was a