Ethereal Madness

Chapter 46- Lies

Here again? Miss Mya asked.

I stood outside the Anesía General hospital, it's large stature towering over me.

Right. Here Mary's mother has been here for who knows how long, with only Mary to visit her.

Well I did say I'd be visiting semi-regularly, I said.

I know she's Mary's mother and all, but is it really worth it? I mean you aren't gaining anything, are you?

I'm just trying to be nice.

Isn't that tiresome though? She asked.

Umm, kinda. But like, it feels really good knowing that I'm helping her.

I know about gaining pleasure from good deeds, but I never understood the depth of how euphoric of a feeling it is. After all, for it to make you do something you would otherwise be against, the feeling would have to be greater than the displeasure from having to do said activity. Tell me Arthur, how does it feel to assist others? Is it worth the discomfort?

I scratched my head. That's kinda difficult to answer. The reasons people help one another vary. Some genuinely feel a rush when they go out of their way to help others, while others get satisfaction knowing they were of use. Of course, there's also those that only help when they're getting something in return. Now is it worth it..? That I don't really know.

Would you say it's worth it to you?

Not really.

But you do it all the time, she pointed out.

Yeah, I do.

So why do you do it?

I shrugged. Dunno. My gut just tells me to and I listen.

A slave to your own consciousness, huh?

Despite her voice being in my head, it sounded like it trailed off.

Are you okay?

Hm? I'm fine. Just remembering a fool is all.

Ah. Okay.

I'd really like to learn about Miss Mya, but every time I work up the courage to ask her, I hesitate. If she has any more relationships like with Ória, peering into her history might bring more than mild discomfort.

I walked inside and I swear I never get used to the blast of cold air that hits me. The carpet floor was soft enough to feel it through my sneakers and the quietness of the room was attractive but the stiffness of the waiting room made it unenjoyable.

Behind the front desk was Ms. Renee. Her unnaturally professional smile came to mind, which she ironically shined at me as I approached her. She had straight blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes. Based on the few interactions I've had with her, I'd have to classify her a good person. And based on the conversation I just had with Miss Mya, I'd probably say she's happy helping people just to feel useful.

"Hey Arthur," she brimmed with enthusiasm.

"Hey Ms. Renee."

"Visiting Miss Amber as usual?" She asked.

"Yeah. It's been a minute. Figured I'd make sure she's okay."

"Given how indifferent Mary has been, I'd say she's probably fine." She smiled. "But it's nice you're checking on her regardless."

I laughed nervously. "Y-yeah."

"Just sign in as usual and you're good to go. She'll be in—." she paused—"well you know the way by now, right?"

I nodded as a scribbled my personal information over the sign-in sheet, pausing as I forgot my own phone number for a few seconds.

Once I was done, Ms. Renee and I exchanged glances. She gestured towards the path to her left and I started walking.