Chereads / The Hollow Veil / Chapter 23 - Multiple conflicts

Chapter 23 - Multiple conflicts

As I turn my back, in pursuit of strength, I walk through the hallway filled with different humans. But I turn again, taking one last glance, for she is the reason I chase this strength. I've always wanted to die, to abandon life, but Elizabeth—when you entered my world, you gave me purpose. You are my purpose, Elizabeth. I will fight for you, stay with you, my love. I will be your crazy lover.

On the other side of the hallway, Elizabeth smiles. I really found a rare one, she thinks. Such a complex being—committed to the point it's almost frightening. Could he be a scam? Could he want something from me? She pauses. But if this is love, it must be the real thing they say is lost. And I will fight for it. I'll take all his pain if he wants to protect me from the physical hurt. I'll stretch my hands till they bleed, till they tear, to hold all your pain, Michael. As I walk this Emox journey, I will become stronger, my love.

As Michael and Elizabeth part ways, moving in different directions, Yinka and Precious remain in the hospital ward, exchanging glances. Yinka turns away, remembering.

"You know, Precious—or Nmesoma, or whatever your name is—why did you use me as a tool?" Yinka mutters, standing up shakily from his bed. His body, battered and exhausted, trembles. "I'm not a tool. Please, can all of you leave me alone? I just want to be like you guys."

He stumbles out of the ward and into the hallway. Precious falls to the floor, clutching her slit throat, whispering weakly. I may not be precious to you, but Elizabeth is. I will take all you have until you come back to me. Her eyes glow as she prophesies to the air, then she rises and walks away. But in the shadows, a psycho lurks—an unseen girl who has already sunk her claws into Michael. She laughs.

"Uhh, little girl, I know… I will never leave Michael alone," she says, a smile forming in the darkness before she vanishes.

In a room of four, Michael and his roommates sit in stunned silence. They haven't seen him since the first day. Michael ignores them, but Lere—still not learning—blocks his way.

"Can't you even greet any of us?" Lere asks.

Michael stares at him, and in his eyes, there is no love, only emptiness, selflessness, hunger for blood. Drops of blood drip slowly from his eyes, but Michael controls himself.

"Hello, Lere. How are you?"

The others are shocked, believing Lere would die from the sheer intensity of Michael's gaze. But even Lere, now terrified, nods and retreats. Michael lays down on his bed. Elizabeth's head hits her pillow, and so do Yinka and Precious. All four are lost in thought, wondering what to do next…..