Chapter Thirty:
Julie's point of view
Her words were like a military order, stripping me of my last fortresses.
I looked at her with clouded eyes, the bedsheet in my hands feeling as if it weighed tons.
Behind this fabric lay not just my body, but the remnants of my modesty and pride that Robert was systematically crushing.
The sheet slipped from my hands, hitting the floor with a cold thud. I instinctively crossed my arms over my chest, desperately trying to create a new shroud out of my own flesh and blood to shield me from her gaze.
But the doctor didn't grant me a single moment to catch my breath; she spoke in a dry, commanding tone:
"Take off your underwear as well."
I extended my trembling hand, which felt leaden, my joints stiff and rusted as if in need of oil just to move.
The effort to reach my back was unbearable, as if I were lifting mountains of shame and agony.
