Chapter 2 — A Stranger Returns

The soft hum of hospital machines was the only sound filling the room. Billy lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, the pain in his chest dulled by the medication. His mind wandered back to the night of the attack, to the rush of adrenaline, and the sharp crack of the gunshot. It all felt surreal—like someone else's memory.
Just then, a quiet knock broke the silence.
He turned his head, expecting a nurse. But when the door opened, it was someone else entirely.
A young woman stepped in—nervous, hesitant. Her eyes met his, and she gave a small, apologetic smile.
"Hi," she said softly, standing just inside the doorway. "I… I hope I’m not disturbing you."
Billy blinked, surprised. It took him a second to recognize her.
“You’re the girl from the alley…”
She nodded quickly.
"Yeah. I… I’m really sorry I ran off that night. I panicked. I didn’t even check if you were okay." Her voice cracked slightly. "I’ve been feeling awful about it ever since."
Billy gave her a faint smile and shook his head.
“It’s alright. You were scared. Anyone would’ve done the same.”
She stepped closer to the bed, visibly relieved by his calmness.
"I just wanted to say thank you. You saved me. If you hadn’t stepped in, I don't know what would've happened."
Billy looked down for a moment, then back up at her.
“I just did what felt right.”
A silence passed between them. Then, she smiled—genuinely this time.
“My name’s Marie, by the way.”
"Billy," he replied, meeting her gaze.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then hesitated before speaking again.
“I know this is a bit sudden, but… would you maybe want to grab a drink with me sometime? When you’re better, I mean.”
Billy was surprised, but pleasantly so.
“Sure,” he said. “Why not?”
Marie grinned.
“Great. I’ll come back when you’re discharged. Deal?”
“Deal.”
She gave him a final smile, then turned and left, the door clicking shut behind her.
Billy leaned back against the pillows, staring at the ceiling again. For the first time since the incident, he felt a little lighter.
A drink with a stranger he saved… Maybe this luck of his really was incredible.