I noticed the bloodstain on my white coat, and the bewildered gazes of everyone left me feeling disoriented. I retreated inside and sat on an empty bed. This wasn't how I envisioned the end of my life. My goals remain unfulfilled, how could I leave this world now?
My mind was overwhelmed with a whirlwind of thoughts. The fear of dying without accomplishing anything haunted me, but I forced myself to stay calm and wait for the doctors in charge. Since I was already inside, I took it upon myself to monitor the infected and analyze the virus we were facing.
Everyone stood around me, gazing at me with pity. Owen arrived shortly after hearing the news, but his expression was unreadable. He looked at me and walked away without saying a word. I knew then, he didn't care, not after everything I had done to him.
"Doctors, I need complete silence in this room, please. Given the number of cases, has anyone identified the virus we're dealing with and found a potential solution?"
"Sir, we're on it. I have full confidence in the competence of everyone here. We'll resolve the issue soon."
"Doctor Jasmine has been infected, so I urge every doctor to put their minds to work. I also need to speak with the health minister."
Owen approached me, insisting that we work together. Since I was already inside, it would be easier for me to diagnose the infected while he focused on the research outside. I couldn't refuse, after all, I was the one facing death, so I continued with the research.
By day two, blood started to drip from my ears, but I pushed through. The research had to go on. I was the only hope left inside.
Day five arrived, and still, there was no progress. Doubt began to creep in, and I started to lose hope. But then, I saw the determination in his eyes, and it fueled my resolve. As the days wore on, I felt my strength waning, and the number of cases continued to rise.
"Owen, what happened?"
"You lost consciousness for a few days, but the epidemiologists have found a cure for the virus."
"Which virus were we dealing with?"
"They've named it Endo V. Their research shows it originated from contaminated water in the village. But I believe this disease only targets the wicked."
"I see where this is headed, Owen. I'm sorry for everything I've put you through. I was consumed by jealousy, but I've moved past it now. So, enjoy your marriage."
His expression didn't convince me that he had forgiven me. After a few days, the team and I left, and they were overly clingy, relieved that they had nearly lost me. I exchanged brief greetings with Owen at work, but he didn't seem pleased.
He was assigned to a department with a better office, far from mine. But as he had said, he wanted nothing to do with me, so I focused on my duties as the director without involving him too much. Two weeks later, he submitted his resignation letter, stating that he no longer felt comfortable at the hospital.
I apologized and asked him to reconsider, but he was firm in his decision to leave the hospital. I had no power to change his mind, especially knowing I was the reason, behind his departure. I wished him well and told him to reach out if he needed help, but he just hissed and walked away.
Now that he was gone, I was left alone in my own space, with nothing to keep me company. After work, I decided to go clubbing to drown out some of my worries and pain. I sat at the counter, sipping my whiskey, when I suddenly felt a hand on my waist.
"What do you think you're doing, young man?"
"I'm sorry, my hand slipped."
"Really? Slipped all the way to my waist? You sure are a funny guy."
"I'd like to buy you a drink as an apology."
"No, thank you. I know your type, don't try to be smart. Just leave while I'm still being nice."
"Wow, are you really that scary? I just want to be friends, but I could be more if you're interested."
There was shouting coming from the stage, so I rushed over to see what was happening. A lady had collapsed, and as I checked on her, I noticed needle marks all over her hand. It was clear she had been using drugs. I immediately called for an ambulance and took her to the hospital for emergency surgery.
After the surgery, I realized I had left my bag at the club, so I decided to go back and retrieve it. When I arrived, I saw the guy still standing at the counter, holding my bag. I shot him a cold look and snatched it from his hands.
The mixologist explained that someone had tried to steal my bag, but the young man had stopped them and kept it safe. I walked with him and apologized. He wasn't bad-looking, and as I thought about how to erase Owen from my mind, I figured hooking up with a stranger might help. I invited him to my apartment.
We were talking and I kissed him. He looked surprised but he returned the kiss. I knew he was the kind who wouldn't hesitate to kiss a stranger so I took another step of putting my hands in his pants.
He moaned so I knew he was enjoying the moment, before I could pull off his pants to get into the game I heard a knock on the door.