The Plague Doctor [RATED R] ✓

EPILOGUE

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THE RAIN HAD FALLEN hard on us a couple of hours ago, but thankfully the sky was starting to get clearer. The temperature inside the cab was also warm, and calming music was playing on the radio.

     I look out of the window, staring at dozens of people who are walking down the pavement. Some were folding their umbrellas back, while some got wet because of the aftermath. One boy was even hopping on the puddles, making the adult with him laugh at the sight of his innocence.

     "This will be a long ride," a voice suddenly says. "Rest."

     I politely nod and lower my head, making me catch a glimpse of the watch that I am wearing. I stare at it for a second before finally pulling the sleeves of my jacket to hide it.

     Soon after that, I closed my eyes and slowly drifted to sleep. As I dive deeper inside these deranged thoughts of mine, I spot a glimpse of light shining toward me in the darkness. What was once a small light peeking through the distance eventually turned into something that almost blinded me. I covered my eyes from it, but when I opened them back, I realized that I was teleported back to our little town called Totten's Landing.

     Kids ran around, getting mud on their clean pants while their mothers chased them with a broom. Vendors were selling fresh fish and vegetables in their stalls, calling for customers willing to bargain with them, while old man Buckely was walking around the market, pretending to be drunk so he could pickpocket those unknowing onlookers.

     The town was as busy as ever, so I tried to push through the crowd to get to my merry way. But as I continued walking down the familiar yet unfamiliar path, the noise from the town square suddenly disappeared, and when I looked back, everything was gone.

     A strong gust of wind then pushed me back, almost making me stumble. And while I tried to hold my ground, I spotted a small house surrounded by beautiful flowers. I walked towards it and headed inside, and as soon as I got there, the smell of delicious pancakes suddenly welcomed me.

     The house looked homey, and everything was arranged and kept together. But when I walked towards the dining room, the table was completely empty. I had expected that it would be filled with delicious dishes, but it wasn't.

     I continued to walk around the house to check if someone was inside, but as I got closer to the stairs, I suddenly heard laughter. So, without any hesitation, I climbed the steps and found a door where the waves of laughter were coming from. I walked towards it and reached for the doorknob. But as I was about to open the door, a cold hand suddenly grabbed my shoulder and whispered in my ear...

    "Wake up, Bishop."

     I gasped and opened my eyes, a man's face right in front of me while his hand was on my shoulder. I adjusted for a couple of seconds, but after I rubbed my eyes, I looked back at the man again and asked, "Mateo, have we arrived?"

     Mateo Ricci, my lover, looks at me with a smile and gives me a quick peck on my forehead. "Yes. Did you sleep well? Maybe I shouldn't have woken you up and just carried you there."

     I laughed at the suggestion and hit his shoulder before stepping out of the cab. Mateo laughs as well and then heads to the trunk to grab our suitcases while I grab the flashlight and the fruit basket.