Rosewood Hospital 3

It was a boring day, as usual. I had completed my ward rounds and sat down for a cup of tea. I was tired, though I had done nothing of significance. The gloomy weather, coupled with the surrounding mist, made everything feel heavier.

"Doctor, there's a person who needs your attention," said one of the older nurses at the hospital.

I looked at her face—an old, weather-beaten example of countryside endurance.

"Okay, nurse. I'll be there in a minute."

"Please hurry, sir. I think he needs you right now."

Reluctantly, I set aside my half-empty cup and walked toward the OPD.

There he was. I froze for a moment. It was him—the man who had given me a lift to the hospital.

"Scared?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

I nodded.

"I know they’ve probably given you the wrong idea," he said, his tone calm but cryptic.

I stared at him, trying to make sense of the situation. It was undeniably the same man who had driven me here earlier.

A strange sense of unease settled over me. I was caught in a dilemma. Who was telling the truth—this man or the nagging doubts in my mind?

The man sat there, visibly unwell. His breathing was labored, and his pulse seemed erratic. Something about his condition struck me as odd—palpitations, yes, but there was more to it.

"Don’t worry, doctor. This isn’t as serious as it looks. I’ve been through worse," he said, attempting a weak smile.

But I knew better. His condition was far from stable.

Suddenly, he raised his head and looked at me, his gaze sharp and desperate.

"Maybe I’m wrong," he whispered. "But today feels... harder."

He reached out and grabbed my hand. His grip was weak, but there was an urgency in his touch that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Please, take care of yourself," he muttered.

Then, abruptly, his voice faltered.

"The nurse..." he began but stopped mid-sentence.

I turned to see the same old nurse standing behind us. There was something unsettling in her eyes—a smoldering intensity that felt out of place.

When I turned back to him, the man was gone.

I don't know who he is.

"