The elevator doors slide open, a low, mechanical buzzing sound fills the air. The sound is steady and rhythmic, indicating the movement of the elevator's machinery. It hums softly as the doors fully open, creating an ambient background noise that is both calming and familiar.
Slough University hospital hall stretches out before the elevator, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. Neon lights line the walls, casting a vibrant glow on the sleek machines and terminals scattered throughout the hall. The air is crisp and clean, with a faint scent of disinfectant lingering in the atmosphere.
Stepping out from the elevator, a figure emerged - a patient, bloody, their gait unsteady and slow. The sight was enough to elicit gasps of horror and fear from onlookers, who recoiled in disbelief, their minds clinging to the possibility of a ghost before them.
Machines hummed softly, their LED screens pulsating with information. The terminal and counter stood like sleek monoliths, each detail meticulously designed to blend seamlessly into the environment.
Surrounding the bloody patient, six guards swiftly closed in, their movements precise and deliberate. They formed a protective barrier, their expressions a mix of caution. With practiced grace, they reached for their neuxes neutralizer pistols, sleek weapons specifically designed for immobilization.
The guards themselves presented a formidable presence. Clad in sleek black uniforms, their forms fitted and streamlined, they exuded an air of authority. Each guard possessed an unwavering focus, their eyes sharp and vigilant beneath the brim of their matte black helmets. Their faces hidden, they appeared almost like shadows, blending seamlessy. Despite their stoic demeanor, a sense of readiness and determination radiated from them, a testament to their training and commitment to protect.
" Ah, the coffee bot always knows how to brighten up my day. Care for a cup, Jonathan?
'Thanks, Sarah." You know, I can never say no to caffeine. So, are we just going to watch the scene unfolding just now?
Dr. Sarah smiled. "It is quite a spectacle. But what caught my attention is that girl. I feel like I've seen her before.
" You recognized her too? She looked like that patient we both worked on earlier today, the one who sadly didn't make it. Dr. Jonathan rubbed his eyes with both hand.
"Yes, exactly! But how can that be? Is this some sort of coincidence or... could she be gifted?
" It's possible. I mean, we did witness some extraordinary abilities in that patient during our time with her. Maybe she somehow survived and now we're seeing her again, albeit in a different state. Dr. Jonathan answered.
Dr. Sarah nodded. " If she is indeed gifted, it would explain some things. Perhaps we should approach her, offer our assistance. After all, we have firsthand knowledge of her condition and we can always call the Gifted Investigation Department (GID).
" I think that's a good idea, Sarah. We can provide valuable insights and support. Let's go over there and see if she's open to talking.
As they finish their coffee, Dr. Sarah and Dr. Jonathan make their way towards the scene, eager to help the mysterious bloody girl and uncover the truth behind her unexpected reappearance.
" Hands down, we're not in any immediate danger. Emily, please, let us help you. Your condition needs further examination. Dr. Sarah spoked firmly to the guards.
"Have you fellas never seen a bloody princess before? It's my signature look. Emily looked defiantly at the guards
"Emily, I understand your reluctance, but running some tests could provide valuable insights into what happened to you. "
"Emily, Dr. Victor is right. We need to ensure your safety and well-being. The tests might give us a better understanding of your condition."
Emily Raised her eyebrow. "Look, I know my body better than anyone else. I'm an adult, and I have rights. According to the new state law, if I stay in a hospital for more than three hours, I'll be billed for it. Well, I was there for precisely 2.54 hours, and if I'm going to pay anything, it won't be a single din!
Dr. Evelyn Sighed. "Emily, while that may be true, you also have to consider your health. Money shouldn't be the sole determining factor when it comes to medical decisions."
Emily Crossed her arms. "According to the same law, sixteen years is considered prime adulthood. so I have every right to discharge myself. And that's exactly what I'm going to do. If you have any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace."
"Fine, go if you must. But remember, we're here to help you. If you ever change your mind, don't hesitate to reach out.
As Emily stood firm in her decision, Dr. Sarah watched her leave, her concern evident as she understood the risks involved in Emily's self-discharge. Nonetheless, she knew that sometimes, no matter how much they tried, patients had to make choices for themselves, even if those choices weren't what the doctors believed to be in their best interest.
"Should we call 'GID'?. Dr Jonathan asked
"Don't bother, I think she's not Gifted maybe it's an altered heart, we get cases like that in higher tier cities."
***************
The city hummed with the vibrant energy showing Advertisement and innovation. Air cars and shuttles zipped through the sky, their sleek metallic bodies gleaming under the radiant sunlight. Below them, humans bustled about, conversing animatedly as they dined al fresco at charming sidewalk cafes or strolled leisurely towards their destinations.
The streets were lined with floating walkways, providing easy access to the towering suspended buildings that reached upwards towards the heavens. People gracefully glided along these hoverboards, effortlessly traversing the busy city landscape.
Amidst this tapestry of movement and activity, there was a figure that stood out, both in appearance and demeanor. A patient walked slowly, her steps deliberate and purposeful, her form draped in a dress stained with a deep crimson hue.
With each passing air car or shuttle, she raised her hand, attempting to hail a ride to her destination. But one by one, the drivers of these vehicles sped past her, oblivious to her plight.
" So I'm this ghoul thing.. cause I can see all those ants in the distance and the noise."
[ Darla you are stronger and your senses are now sharper than the regular human ]
" So I'm Gifted now?... Wait since dad gave me the system.... Does he know?.... Is that why he disappeared?.. "
" Arhhhhh "
Emily placed her hands on her throbbing head. " It's the noice I can hear everything, their conversation, the buzzing, the filtration systems, the air cars... It's so loud.'
[ Imagine your senses as a vast tapestry, intricately woven together. To filter out the unwanted noise, you must delicately thread through them, separating harmony from dissonance]
[ Allow your mind to quieten, so that you may hear the true essence of each sound]
[ Focus your attention on each sense, one at a time and filter the dissonant echoes]
" I think it's now bearable "
[ You can't reach home in time to stop your mother from coming to the hospital ]
' Yeah I think I know that. Air shuttles won't stop for a bloody patient."
[ You should run home Darla ]
"What! that's a lot to cover on foot and I.. I ... have.. never done it before."
[ You stronger now, you faster...]
[You should try out your new body]
[ let your instincts take over. Imagine the wind rushing past you, the ground beneath your feet. Visualize the swift motion, the exhilaration of freedom. And when you're ready, take that first step forward]
Emily tentatively moved her foot, feeling the weight shift as she propelled herself forward. Her movements were slow and unsteady at first, unfamiliar with the sensation of running. But with each stride, she grew more confident, adapting to the rhythm of her newfound motion.
[ You have gained 1+ dexterity ]
************************
In the heart of a dilapidated city, nestled amidst a cluster of towering buildings, stood the shabby apartment that the harringtons called home. The walls were adorned with peeling paint, revealing glimpses of the decaying structure beneath. The worn wooden floor creaked underfoot as if whispering secrets of past hardships. Dust particles danced lazily in the dim light filtering through cracked windows, adding to the melancholic atmosphere.
"I don't know why you're being so stubborn," Elizabeth's voice echoed through the cramped apartment, laced with a mix of frustration and grief. Her gaze rested on her younger child, Salle, who stood defiantly before her. The mother's voice softened as she continued, her tone a gentle plea, "Your sister, Emily, needs me at the hospital. I can't afford to be distracted worrying about you too."
A moment of hesitation flickered across the mother's face as Salle's eyes welled up with tears, mirroring the profound love and longing that consumed them both. The mother's heart, torn between protecting her child and acknowledging their desire to offer support, swayed under the weight of the decision. With a heavy sigh, the mother nodded slowly, her lips pressed into a forced smile. "Alright, my love," she relented, her voice laced with both understanding and trepidation. "But promise me you'll stay close to me. We cannot afford any more pain or loss."
The mother's steps felt heavy as she approached the hallway, each tread echoing with a mix of apprehension and desperation. She reached out, her trembling fingers grasping the coat that hung by the door, its fabric frayed and worn. In that moment, doubt clouded her mind. She hesitated, her hand frozen in mid-air, unsure if she had the strength to confront the unimaginable scenes awaiting her at the hospital. A deep breath steadied her resolve, and with a trembling hand, she turned the doorknob.
The sight that greeted her outside sent shockwaves through her entire being. Emily stood on the pavement, her petite frame cloaked in a macabre tapestry of blood. Even the patient coat, intended to protect and comfort, had become an unsettling canvas of tragedy. And yet, a haunting smile adorned Emily's face, as if relief and joy intertwined with the anguish she wore.
"Hello, Mom,"
As she stepped inside, her movements became slow and deliberate. With each garment she removed, stained with the evidence of turmoil, Salle couldn't tear her eyes away. The conflicting emotions swirling within her, a combination of fear and love, caused her face to flush with heat. But it was a pained curiosity that kept her rooted in place, unable to turn away from this raw display of vulnerability.
Noticing Salle's discomfort, the mother instinctively moved to shield her daughter's innocence. Tenderly, she covered Salle's eyes with trembling hands, assuming it was worry for her sister that burned behind the young girl's downcast gaze.
After a few tense moments, Emily made her way towards the room on the left, an unspoken understanding guiding her steps. The door, slightly ajar, revealed a glimpse of the sanctuary that lay beyond – the bathroom. As Emily entered, the soundscape shifted, the rush of water filling the space with a soothing melody and echoes of droplets cascading against porcelain.
Elizabeth followed Emily into the bathroom, the door swung shut behind her. Within the confines of this sacred space, time seemed to stand still. The room, illuminated by the soft glow of a flickering energy source. As Elizabeth leaned against the closed door, the sight that greeted her in the bathroom was a devastating blow to her already fragile heart.
Her eyes were immediately drawn to the bathtub – a chilling scene that would forever be etched in her memory. The water, once clear and serene, had transformed into a grim tableau of diluted blood, swirling around her daughter's fragile form.
A guttural cry escaped the mother's lips, her voice carrying a mixture of anguish, fear, and disbelief. Tears streamed down her face, tracing a path of sorrow as they mingled with the cacophony of emotions flooding her soul. She stumbled forward, her legs shaking beneath the weight of her devastation, until she reached the edge of the bathtub.
Kneeling down beside her daughter, the mother's hands trembled as she reached out to touch Emily's cheek, her fingers brushing against the cold, damp skin. In that moment, time seemed to stand still, the world fading away into an abyss of grief. With a voice choked by tears, she stuttered the only words that came to her mind.
"Emily, are you okay?"
Emily smiled while caressing her mother's hand. " Don't worry mom I'm better. "