Victor watched Elena’s trembling form with a mix of concern and understanding. He held up the syringe and said softly, “It’s not a drug, Elena. This is to counteract the effects of the drug they gave you.”

Her breathing quickened as he took a cautious step forward, holding the syringe at an angle that didn’t seem threatening. “It’s for your good,” he added gently, moving closer.

But the moment he neared her, Elena’s panic surged. She yanked the medical wires off her arm, the monitor’s alarm beeping sharply. “Elena, what are you doing?” Victor asked, his voice tinged with alarm as he tried to approach her again.

“Stay away from me!” she shouted, backing herself into a corner of the room.

Victor stopped in his tracks, holding his hands up as if to show he meant no harm. “This is for your good, Elena. I promise.”

Her eyes darted toward the syringe, her fear intensifying. It wasn’t just apprehension—it was deep, unshakable terror. Victor sighed inwardly. He had anticipated this moment, knowing the ordeal she’d endured might leave her scarred, but seeing her so fragile and terrified now weighed heavily on him.

“Come and sit,” he coaxed, gesturing toward the bed.

“No,” she said firmly, her voice shaking.

“Elena,” he called, his tone steady but not forceful.

Tears welled in her eyes as she pleaded, “Give me the medicine, any amount—I’ll swallow it. But please, no injection.”

Victor softened his voice further, his calm demeanor unwavering. “Elena, you don’t need to be scared of the injection. You’re safe now. This is a hospital. No one will hurt you here.”

Her chest heaved with shallow breaths, her gaze flickering between him and the syringe.

“What… what will it do?” she asked hesitantly.

“It will do two things,” he explained patiently. “First, it’ll help counteract the drug’s effects in your system. Second, it’ll help ease your fear.”

“How?” she asked, her voice trembling but curious.

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Victor said, offering her a reassuring smile.

She hesitated, her body stiff with tension. “Shall I?” he asked again, encouraging her with a nod toward the bed.

Slowly, with visible reluctance, Elena moved toward the bed. Her steps were cautious, and she paused before sitting down, clutching the blanket tightly.

“Don’t be scared,” Victor said softly as he prepared the injection. “It’ll be over before you know it.”

Elena flinched as he approached. She closed her eyes tightly, her breath shallow and uneven.

Victor worked quickly, his movements precise but gentle. “You’re doing great,” he said as he swabbed her arm and administered the injection.

She tensed, her body rigid, but it was over in a matter of seconds. Victor placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, his voice calm. “It’s done, Elena. You see? Nothing to be afraid of.”

Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked at him cautiously. “It… it didn’t hurt that much,” she admitted, though her voice was still shaky.