Stepping out of Lilly's ward, Anita didn't leave the hospital entirely. She went towards the STD clinic, her steps slow but deliberate. The hallway was quiet, except for the clicking of her heels and the distant murmurs from other hallways.
As she approached the discreet door marked Sexual Health Services, her fingers trembled slightly. She was filled with shame and dread. What would people think if they saw her in this section? Nobody would believe she contracted it from her husband. Many would claim it was karma from cheating on a 'good' man.
Although her heart clenched beneath her ribs, she refused to let it show. If her husband had reduced her to a statistic, a silent sufferer, she would at least face it with dignity.
With her back straight, chin held high, eyes forward, she marched towards her destination, like a female judge marching into a courtroom, ready to deliver her final verdict.
