Blank Canvas

Chapter Four: October 26th, 2020

"Hey, honey." My head shot up and saw detective Smith at the doorway of my hospital room. I spent the last three nights here because the doctors wanted to watch my levels of ZIP. I haven't had a flashback since the day Kate attempted to place an IV in my arm. I was hoping if the levels decreased, my memory would come back, but I was met with disappointment.

"I bought some clothes for you. I have no idea if they will fit, but I tried to get the smallest size for you. Along with that, I bought you a pair of shoes. They should fit since we measured your feet the other day." The detective walked in with a small smile on her face as she handed me the clothes and shoes. "The nurse said you were ready to be released and I have a surprise for you, so go ahead and change in the bathroom. I will meet you outside of the room."

I nodded as I grabbed the clothes and shoes from her with a small, close-lip smile on my face. I looked down and saw a pair of black leggings along with a plain, maroon t-shirt. The shoes were plain, black tennis shoes. I whispered a thank you before walking to the bathroom as the coldness from the floor seeped through my thin socks that the hospital provided me.

I turned on the light and closed the door behind me. I glanced at myself in the mirror and attempted to comb my thin, brown hair with the small, pink brush that the detective got for me as hair continued to fall out. I sighed and placed the brush down on the sink. The nurse stated I was losing hair because I did not have the nutrients I needed to have healthy hair. I did not know what nutrients are, but I was too embarrassed to ask. I stared into my brown eyes as I took in my characteristics such as my narrow or pale skin that was speckled with bruises that were slowly healing. I do not remember the last time I ever looked at myself in the mirror before this.

I took off my green, flowery gown and changed into the new clothes. The other day, the detective bought me a few pairs of underwear, a toothbrush with toothpaste, deodorant, and the hairbrush. She taught me the reason behind the toothbrush and deodorant. My teeth had black spots on a few of them and my mouth bleeds every time I brush my teeth. The nurse recommended a dentist for me to make an appointment with, but I was self-conscious.

I sighed as I looked down at my body in disgust. The clothes were baggy on my scrawny body and tears welled up in my eyes. I felt bad because she was spending her money on a lost cause like me. I quickly wiped at my eyes before packing up my items and leaving the bathroom.

I glanced around the room to make sure I wasn't leaving anything; I would feel bad if I left something and the detective had to buy it for me again. The detective was staring down at her phone when I left the room so I cleared my throat to get her attention.

She looked up suddenly at me with a smile on her face. She placed her phone in her pantsuit pocket before waving me over, signaling me to follow her. She escorted me out of the hospital to her car. Once we got into the car, I spoke up, "what's the surprise, detective?"

She sighed before replying, "I told you before that you can call Erin."

"I am sorry, det-Erin," I corrected myself as I gave her a apologizing smile.

"Well, I took the markings that were left on your bicep and I finally found Liam Baker with the same birthday."

"No way!" A grin made its appearance onto my face, but I immediately closed to my lips to hide my teeth.

"Yes, he is waiting back at the police station for us. Are you ready to finally get some answers?"

I nodded with excitement. I finally felt hopeful that Erin and I would be able to get to the bottom of this and figure out what happened to me that night.