Recovery and Connections
The soft flicker of the humming fluorescent lights illuminated the hospital room as a nurse cleaned the deep bite wound of Marcus. The sharp bite of antiseptic and the dull ache of his shoulder, but the bandages were pulled tight and snug.
Doctor: "The wound is deep, but thankfully no infection. No rabies detected, so good news. Just keep it clean, don't strain, and you should be fine."
Marcus nodded, the weight of relief crushing him. After treatment, he and his mother sat with a hospital administrator to give a complete description of the assault.
Mom: (unfazed but serious) "It was wolf-like—thin, humanoid, yellow glowing eyes. It attacked us in the park at night."
Marcus: (still drained) "We don't know why it attacked us."
The hospital administrator took notes, concerned but skeptical.
Home Again
A few hours later, Marcus and his mother came out of the hospital into the declining afternoon light.
Mom: (reassuringly) "Marcus, you don't have to go to school for a little bit. You need to rest and get better."
Marcus: (gratefully) "Thanks, Mom. I'll stay home."
Marcus stayed absent from school for three days, nursing his wound and trying to shake off the residual fear from the attack. He spent most of his time in his room, browsing through his phone and talking to his friends online — the only place where he could feel some sense of normalcy.
Online Chat with Friends
The screen glowed with messages from Duke Pyeon and Jiho Park, Marcus's classmates who bullied him.
Duke Pyeon (short, sturdy, with quick wit):
Duke: "Yo Marcus, you cool? Heard you got attacked or somethin'. Damn dude."
Marcus: "Yeah… crazy night. Got bitten by some bizarre wolf-like creature."
Duke: "A wolf? Man, you straight outta a horror movie."
Marcus: "It feels like it. Mom's keeping me out of school."
Duke: "Good idea. Logan's been really mean too lately. You not gonna let him get to you, right?"
Marcus: (slowly typing) "Not trying to. No choice."
Jiho Park (soft-spoken, bespectacled, ever-encouraging):
Jiho: "Marcus, take your time. Your health first. And don't forget, you're not alone."
Marcus: "Thanks, Jiho. Appreciates it."
Jiho: "We're all in this together. Want, we can study online or just talk anytime."
Marcus: "I'll hold you to that."
Despite the physical pain and mental strain, Marcus noticed a glimmer of hope in the fellowship with his friends. Perhaps he wasn't entirely alone after all.