Elena opened her eyes to the comforting sight of her best friend, Mia, sitting beside her. Mia's face was filled with worry, but her relief was evident as she reached out to touch Elena's hand.

"Hey," Mia began softly, "how are you feeling?"

Elena managed a weak smile. "I'm okay... just tired."

A lump formed in Elena's throat. "I'm so sorry for all the trouble, guys," she murmured, her voice breaking.

Mia shook her head firmly. "Don't be. We're just glad you're okay. That’s all that matters."

Elena nodded, the weight of guilt still heavy on her chest. Mia, sensing the need for a change in topic, started talking about lighter things—stories from school, silly jokes, and plans they’d made before everything turned upside down.

For a moment, the tension in the room lifted. Elena found herself smiling faintly at Mia’s humor, but the sound of hurried footsteps interrupted their conversation.

The door swung open, and Elena’s parents rushed in. Her mother, with tears streaming down her face, immediately came to her bedside.

"I told you not to go," her mother said, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and relief. "Look what was about to happen! What if they had taken you, Elena?"

Elena lowered her head, guilt washing over her. Her mother’s words stung, and she felt the prickle of tears threatening to fall.

"Stop shouting at her," her father said gently but firmly. "It didn’t happen. Our Elena is safe now."

Elena's voice cracked as she spoke. "She’s right, Dad. I should have listened. I was so stupid."

Tears rolled down her cheeks, and her father pulled her into a comforting embrace. "You’re safe now, sweetheart. That’s all that matters."

A soft knock at the door drew their attention. They turned to see a nurse standing there with a clipboard.

"The doctor wants to see Elena for therapy," the nurse said, her tone polite yet professional.

"Therapy? For what?" her father asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.

The nurse explained patiently, "It’s to ensure she doesn’t develop trauma from this experience. It’s a preventive measure for her mental well-being."

Her father scoffed, shaking his head. "She’s not that weak to need therapy for something like this."

"Sir, it’s essential for her recovery," the nurse insisted.

"We don’t need therapy," her father declared firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The nurse hesitated before replying, "But sir, it’s crucial for her well-being."

Her mother spoke up, her voice wavering. "If they’re saying it’s necessary, let them do it."

But her father shook his head resolutely. "We’re taking her home."

The nurse sighed, frustration flashing briefly across her face. "She’s not healed yet," she reminded him.

"She will be, once she’s home," he replied curtly.

The nurse shook her head in disbelief before turning and leaving the room.

"I’ll go prepare the discharge papers," he said, his voice final, as he walked out, leaving Elena and her mother sitting in uneasy silence.