The Haunted Surgeon

f antiseptic was sharp and familiar. A nurse adjusted her IV, moving quickly b

ria croaked,

rmia, but you'll be fine. Just need to rest." The nurse hesitated, her smile fading.

was messy and urgent: "You shouldn

would he visit? He had wanted he

ugh her head. Her vision blurred, then cleared. She was in a private room, the blinds

ir, and a kind face, but his eyes looked cautious. "Dr. Bennett? I'm Dr. Marquez.

voice hoarse. "What happened

ike a suicide attempt. But..." He lowered his voice, glancing at the door. "Your chart says you've been having... episode

t remember any of that. "I don't.

"Security footage. From

Her movements were stiff, almost robotic, as if she were sleepwalking. She stopped at t

s a patient of yours-Mr. Carter, the one who passed away last week. His cause of death was ruled a he

"I don't know how I got there. I don't remember Mr. Cart

k tomorrow. And... be careful. People are asking questions a

ad throbbed. Fragments of memory flashed through her mind-Etha

pted her thoughts. T

ushing a cart. He glanced at her and the

remember bringing it). She flipped to the last entry, but as she touched the page

ill make you doubt yourself. But yo

h caught. Th

ck. The door cre

s eyes. He looked like he hadn't slept in days. "Aria," he said,

art racing. "Why did you

his hair. "I... I heard you were here

ia

need to leave. Bef

s going on? Why ar

-the old warmth, the way he used to tuck a strand of hair behind her

ression hardening. "Just go.

mming the do

hands shaking. A new entry appeared

your ally either. Find the locket.

-a silver heart, her mother's most prized possessio

t. The only sound was the hum of vending machines down the ha