C2 Chapter 2

The next morning, Jules stirred in her hospital bed, her head pounding with a dull ache. She opened her eyes, blinking away the blur. The sterile hospital room came into focus, and memories of the attack flooded back.

A nurse smiled at her bedside. "Hey, Jules, you're awake. How are you feeling?"

Jules winced, touching her bandaged head. "Sore...what happened?"

"You were attacked," the nurse said gently. "But you're safe now."

Just then, Emily, Jules's aunt, rushed into the room, her face etched with worry. "Jules, baby, how are you?"

Jules smiled weakly. "I'm okay, Mom..I'm okay."

Emily hugged her tightly, tears in her eyes. "I'm so glad you're awake. The police are here to talk to you."

Detective Thompson and a new detective named Detective Rodriguez walked into the room, their faces somber. "Hey, Jules, glad you're okay. Mind if we ask you some questions?"

Jules nodded, still trying to piece together the events.

"Do you remember anything about the attack?" Detective Thompson asked.

Jules frowned, thinking. "I...I was walking home from school...and then...I saw Lia."

The detectives exchanged a look. "Lia?" Detective Rodriguez prompted.

Jules nodded. "Yeah, Lia Williams. We had a fight a few weeks ago. She was dating my...my friend, Alex. He broke up with her and asked me out. She wasn't happy about it."

The detectives took notes. "Do you think Lia would've hurt you over it?" Detective Thompson asked.

Jules hesitated. "I didn't think so...but I don't know, she was really mad when I started talking to Alex."

The detectives nodded. "We'll look into it. Do you know where we can find Lia?"

Jules thought for a moment. "She lives with her aunt in Z City Heights...I can give you the address."

Detective Thompson nodded. "Thanks, Jules. We'll check it out. You focus on getting better, okay?"