The Invisible Strings

4. Uncovering Clues

Prescription: lorazepam, sertaline: anti depressant, lamotrigine

"Phew, what an extensive medical history. She's certainly broken," Detective Côté remarks, a sense of wonder in her tone.

She makes small notes and adds them to her report. Then, she writes on the green board with white chalk, detailing the facts found about the case: Blood test results showing antihistamine, antidepressant, and alcohol; Hallucinations likely linked to her medical history. With that done, she leaves the room swiftly, dropping the chalk as she goes.

***
Philippe waits outside the room while Claire undergoes treatment for her nocturnal seizures. A young woman approaches and greets Philippe. It's Anh Pham, Claire's roommate.

"How's it going?" Pham asks.

"Still critical. Thanks for coming," Philippe replies.

"No worries, sorry I couldn't come earlier," Pham apologizes.

"I really have to go now. Let me know if she makes progress," Philippe says, glancing at his watch.

"Sure, will do," Pham says, taking the relay stick, waiting for Claire in the hospital.

Pham arrives straight from work, carrying a small leather clutch. She's dressed casually yet elegantly in a dark blue high-collar sweater, a beige pencil skirt that falls to her calves, and a pair of short boots. Over it all, she wears a black parka coat. Knowing she'll be there for a while; she changes into sweatpants and sandals for comfort.

A few hours later, Pham is allowed to enter Claire's room and accompany her. Inside, she sees Claire unconscious on the bed, surrounded by life-support devices. Pham sits on the sofa facing Claire and places a bag of Claire's necessities nearby.

***

A couple of hours later, Pham dozes off on the sofa, only stirring to use the restroom. As she closes the toilet door, she hears Claire grunting, signaling she's awake. Pham looks up, "Hi," she greets, walking toward her, her voice filled with warmth. "Are you okay, Claire?" she touches her palm.

Claire smile gratefully. "Thank you, Pham," she says softly.

Pham promptly calls the nurse to check on Claire's condition, relieved that she's passed her critical period.

"I know it's been a tough day, Claire," Pham says gently. "Try to get some more sleep."

"I don't know, Pham," Claire admits. "Everything feels so overwhelming. You're always so kind to me."

Pham smiles with genuine affection. She assures her. "We're family, after all."

Claire hands holding her head while she moans softly. "Pham, did you bring my pills?"

"I'm not sure if you can take them, doctor might prescribe you something else," Pham says, her tone worrisome.

"They're not; I've had this headache since the incident, nothing works." Claire pleads.

"Here, your pills," Pham says gently, extending her hand with the bottle of medication.

Claire accepts the pills with relief, swallowing them with a gulp of water. Claire murmurs softly. "Can you stay here? I don't want to be alone."

Pham's eyes soften, she replies gently. "You're not alone, I promise I'll stay here." She fixes Claire's blanket and sits back on her sofa.

Pham then sends a message to Phillippe to inform Claire's condition. "Claire, Phillippe says, he'll try to come tomorrow afternoon."

"Thanks sweetheart. Can I listen to the recording, Pham?" Claire asks. "They took my phone, and I need it to ease my headache."

Pham hands her phone to Claire, with Pham's comforting presence beside her, Claire finds herself feeling a sense of calm. As she listens to the recording, she drifts back to sleep.