Untouchable by Marii Solaria

Chapter 14 The Trauma

“We don’t even ask happiness, just a little less pain.“–Charles Bukowski

Lyra

We walked down the sleek hospital hallways together, side by side. “Halima’s chart is genuinely concerning. She must stay in the hospital for at least two days for observation. She had many bone fractures in the past, her ex–rays show many areas had to heal numerous times, but because she was not having enough calcium in her diet, her bone mass had lowered, and it left way for breakage to show.” Dr. Nava paused for a moment before continuing.

“She’s severely malnourished and underweight to where it’s a significant danger to her health. Since she’s a werewolf, it’s too dangerous for her to shift in this state, as it might kill her. Her vitals were also alarming. Her potassium levels are extremely low, but her blood pressure and blood sugar levels are high. She also has abnormal hormonal levels. I don’t think Halima has begun her menstrual cycle. Normally, I’d see these types of health concerns in human anorexia patients, but this girl was deliberately deprived of food and water over an extended period. Whatever pack she came from, they put her through literal hell.”

“Oh, Dios mio,” I mutter, rubbing my temples in frustration. Halima was and still is right at Death’s door, and her old pack put her there. I never wanted to tear apart a pack more than whichever she came from. “What could we do to help her?”

“Well, we need to consult with one of our nutritionists to get her on a nutrition and weight restoration plan.” Dr. Nava explained. “The human body is adaptable, a werewolf’s body, even more so. Her body had learned to adapt to little nutrition, and we need to change that. Her wounds would need to heal, and we need to help to bring her body systems back to optimal levels. That’s what we could do for her physical health. As for psychologically…”

My eyes fluttered shut, already knowing what Teresa was about to say. Physical health could heal with proper care and rest. Emotional and mental health, however…that’s an entirely different challenge to conquer. Given how erratic Halima became not too long ago, she’ll need all the help she could get.

I know the therapist that might help Halima.

“LYRA!”

I jerk my head at the sudden scream of my name. It was blood–curling. It came from Halima! Bolting back into her hospital room. I could see the girl looking around frantically for me. Instantly I was at her side, placing her hands in my own. The glossy look in her eyes faded, spilling tears down her cheeks. Her frantic breathing slowed, and her palpitating heart calmed. “I’m here, Halima. I’m so sorry, I had to speak with your doctor.”

Halima nodded in silence, eyes on her lap once again. Dr. Nava came back in to check on both the IV bags and the girl, jotting notes in her clipboard. “Halima, how are you feeling?” She asked.

“Um… exhausted,” Halima answered shyly, sniffling. “Weak. Very weak.”

Teresa grabbed a seat and sat on the other side of Halima’s bed, resting the clipboard on her lap. She gently cradled Halima’s other hand in her own. “Halima, I’m going to ask you some questions, and I want you to answer them as honestly as you can. Can you do that for me?”

Hesitant, Halima nodded.

1. t.

Fin

1

Her

es

ΕΓ

old

good tldemonffered a small smile. “How old are you?”

“…Seventeen.”

Try your best to pinpoint a specific time in

that, they fed me less and less until it became nothin Even if I did eat, I can’t hold touch food down without vomiting.

Halima hasn’t had a decent me eight years. That was

obbouridictitians about our next course of

alone.”

room, a comfortable silence bidult the both of us. It’s a shame that I must break it Halima… I know this is all extremely hard for youBut hneed you to answer a few more questions for m okay? If there

me a slight nod, telling me she was nervous bottwilling to answer.

me a bit about

JEL

Halima

want to answer, Talking about my past was hard, and he neemonies hurt every time they their ugly head in my mind. I look closer at Luna Lyra, taking in adi herceende features, her downward–tu llips stretching with an accompanying smile. Luna

my mother be

me with her warmth and comfort. It was hard for

1000

peek is

g

id

lost their Luna and her daughter to

their deaths becaused was there when it happenedd Hiskiaughter and I were best friends, and we went into the woods despite us being abld not de and the unaddied moments later to the rogues. He threw me in

squeezing my hand. “That’s where all these bruises and cuts camedmont.”

said I deserve to suffer, that I should have died and hoof Celeste and Nuria. J kort remember the

afraid of what I would say

Gammas of my pack would sometimes sneak me food like soup or bring me soap when I’ve run out for my showers. They also helped me escape from the pack for good.” My eyes watered at the thought of Kwame and his family. How were they doing? Were they being punished for helping me escape? I silently prayed for the Moon Goddess to

a sea full of monsters,” Lyra replied thoughtfully. “Why

the cliff coming back. “I’ve renounced Zircon Moon. I said the special incantation and broke my bond. After that I…” I clamped shut, not ready to talk about the drastic decision of jumping off

to talk about it if you don’t want to. I’m more than happy that you’re answering me. It gives me more of a better

in thick gauze. “And this too.” Nurse Mei, who was nice, had to help me wash my hair so that the wound doesn’t get infected by my curly hair. My scalp doesn’t feel clean considering the curls were still very matted. When I saw the amount

Alpha?”

let his mother and sister die. Accepting me was not an option for him.” I sighed heavily, now glancing up at the tiled ceiling. “I accepted his rejection,

brought tears to my eyes again, but this time in appreciation. I sniffled heavily and cried in Lyra’s arms for a good while, releasing all the tension I had since I came back to earth. She rubbed my

didn’t want it to end.

a while, Lyra sat back down, wiping the tears that fell on