The Maple Murders

Chapter 12 - The Maple Murders

The Maple News – January 18th 2023

Tragic Blaze at Maple Hospital: Arsonist Convicted of Murder, Lives Lost in Devastating Inferno

In a harrowing turn of events, Maple Hospital, once a beacon of healing within our community, has been reduced to ashes following a deadly arson attack perpetrated by a 44-year-old woman. Identified as Ash Thomas, the perpetrator was swiftly apprehended on January 17th, 2023, after authorities discovered her culpability in not only igniting a blaze that engulfed the hospital but also in the cold-blooded murder of five individuals within its walls.

Following a thorough investigation by law enforcement agencies, Ash was brought to trial, where she was found guilty of her heinous crimes. In a courtroom packed with sorrowful spectators, the presiding judge delivered the solemn verdict, sentencing the convicted murderer to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

"The loss of lives and the destruction of Maple Hospital is a tragedy that will forever haunt our community," remarked Joel Anderson, the hospital director, his voice heavy with grief. "Our hearts ache for the families who have been torn apart by this senseless act of violence. Yet, even in the face of such devastation, we must find solace in the resilience of our community and the unwavering dedication of our healthcare professionals to continue serving those in need."

The tragedy at Maple Hospital, however, extends far beyond the confines of the courtroom. The inferno, sparked by Ash's callous actions, claimed the lives of twenty-one individuals, with an additional thirty-three sustaining injuries in the chaotic evacuation that ensued. Amidst the chaos, over three hundred staff members, patients, and visitors were forced to flee for their lives, their sense of security shattered by the flames that consumed the once-thriving medical facility.

As our community grapples with the profound loss and devastation wrought by this senseless act of violence, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who perished in the fire. Maple Hospital may have fallen, but the resilience and compassion of our community will endure as we come together to support one another in the wake of this tragedy.

~*~*~*~*~

One year and four months later...

April 9th, 2024, 9:00 AM.

Under the early spring sunlight, freshly bloomed daffodils swayed gracefully in the soft breeze, their golden hues radiating warmth. The light blue skies added to the cheerful ambiance. Following just over a year of reconstruction, fundraising efforts, and support from charities and benefactors, Maple Hospital stood proudly rebuilt.

The new hospital boasted a modern, slightly expanded design, maintaining its vibrant and welcoming aesthetic. Charlotte and April, along with both new and familiar faces among the staff, gathered opposite the entrance. Nearby, reporters and photographers eagerly awaited to document the reopening of the hospital, marking a significant milestone after its tragic past.

An orange ribbon adorned the entrance, signalling the commencement of the ceremony. Standing poised with a pair of oversized scissors was the new hospital director, Mrs. Rebecca Howells, ready to officially inaugurate the facility. The retirement of Anderson, who had faced discrimination following the fire, marked a transition as Mrs. Howells assumed leadership.

Charlotte peered through the glass doors from afar, a mix of excitement and nervousness churning in her stomach. While memories of the old hospital lingered, she reminded herself that this was a fresh start — a new beginning.

'Emma would've been so excited to see this.' wistful smile. Her thoughts were interrupted by a buzz from her pocket. Retrieving her phone, Charlotte discovered a message from her boyfriend, Ryan: a video of Evelyn.

"Say good luck to mommy with her first day back at work!" Ryan's voice echoed from the video as Evelyn chirped, "Good luck mom with your first day back at work!"

Charlotte's heart swelled with warmth as she watched the video. A few weeks after the fire, Evelyn had been taken from her foster parents, prompting Charlotte and Ryan to step in as her foster parents. Despite the challenges, they had embraced Evelyn with boundless love. In February, they made it official and adopted her—a significant milestone for the young couple and a testament to their commitment to their newfound family.

David continued his work at the hospital, serving as the chief pathologist. While some staff returned to their positions, others departed, making room for new members to join the team. Meanwhile, Ash's fate took a definitive turn when firefighters rescued her from the blaze, finding her unconscious. After a day in the hospital, she was sentenced to life in prison for a total of 26 murders.

"Thank goodness the chaos has ended." April remarked, standing beside Charlotte.

"Yeah, it's a relief," Charlotte concurred, her voice tinged with solemnity. "The end of a tragedy. The end of the Maple Murders."

April placed a reassuring hand on Charlotte's shoulder. "Ready to begin your shift, nurse Charlotte?" she asked, her smile warm and encouraging as the spring's sun.

Charlotte returned the smile, her grin widening at the sound of her new title. 'Nurse Charlotte,' she repeated to herself, still getting used to the change. Having transitioned from a medical student to a registered nurse after graduating from university, the moment felt surreal yet exhilarating.

"Absolutely," Charlotte replied confidently. "What about you, nurse April?"

"Ready."

The crowd cheered as Mrs Howells cut the ribbon. Hand in hand, Charlotte and April, along with everybody else, entered the hospital.

And so, spring turned to summer, summer turned to autumn and autumn turned to winter. April started a relationship with another doctor, soon after Charlotte and Ryan got married, and they all continued to work diligently at the hospital, serving their community with dedication and compassion.

The memories of the tragic events that had unfolded in the past were not forgotten, but they served as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

As the years passed, the rebuilt hospital flourished, becoming a beacon of hope and healing in the town. Charlotte and April remained close friends, supporting each other through the highs and lows of life. And as for Evelyn, she thrived under the loving care of Charlotte and Ryan, growing into a bright and spirited young girl who brought joy to everyone around her.

Through it all, the shadow of the Maple Murders faded into the past, replaced by the bright promise of a future filled with hope, love, and new beginnings. And as Charlotte looked back on the journey that had brought her to this moment, she knew that while the scars of the past would always remain, they would never define her future. With a sense of gratitude and determination, she embraced the endless possibilities that lay ahead, ready to face whatever challenges may come with unwavering resolve.

And so, as the sun set on another day at Maple Hospital, Charlotte smiled, knowing that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

The End.

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Author's note

Thank you so much for reading my novel. It's only short, but I'm so glad I could make my idea from 2022 come to life. I apologize for anything that isn't completely correct or realistic, finding research on how to commit arson isn't easy haha, but hey, it's a fictional world based on a Roblox game, it doesn't matter if the odd thing is wrong.

I would like to thank my 48,000 followers on Tik Tok for supporting me with this idea and my wonderful friends and family who inspired me to create the characters and story.