Lately, I've noticed ambulances passing by quite frequently, almost every day.
Our small city's hospital sits at the end of the commercial street, marking the boundary of the financial district.
A main street divides the block of the commercial district, with historical stores situated alongside newer businesses like my restaurant.
These historic establishments hold cultural value, preserving the essence of our community's heritage.
Towards the end of the commercial stretch lie the school and central hospital, both essential institutions in our town.
The proximity of these vital facilities adds to the dynamic's energy of our city, yet the frequent presence of ambulances hints at the unseen struggles and challenges faced by its residents lately.
This time, the sound of the ambulance grows louder, almost ringing in my ears. I can't help but wonder if it is parked right next to my place.
Immediately, my thoughts drift to my neighbors; probably one of them in need of assistance.
Either Mr. Bolduc on the first floor or Sam on the second floor.
The sudden surge of concern makes me anxious to find out the cause of the commotion, hoping that whoever it was, they will be alright.
Feeling lethargic, I struggle to shake off the heaviness weighing me down.
Despite my fatigue, curiosity compels me to action. With effort, I cast aside my blanket and attempt to rise.
Dizziness threatens to overwhelm me, but I steady myself and make my way to the window.
Peering out, I try to discern the source of the commotion below. My concern deepens when I spot the ambulance parked outside.
Medics hurry around, wheeling a stretcher towards Mr. Bolduc's apartment.
In a hurry, I dress and rush downstairs, feeling a sense of foreboding. "What's going on?" I ask one of the medics in a panic.
"His girlfriend called 911 to check on him because he wasn't responding in the past 3 days," one of the medics answers me.
Feeling remorseful, I couldn't shake the guilt of not checking on him sooner. It's been five days since I last saw him.
He was sunbathing when I passed by to get my dirt bike repaired. Even then, he looked pale and struggled to breathe.
As the medics bring him out, I bow down, intending to offer words of comfort.
However, before I can speak, he whispers something to me. "Beware of the wall, they are watching us."
His words send a chill down my spine, leaving me unsettled and wondering about their meaning.
Just like that, Mr. Bolduc disappears into the cold winter evening with the loud noise of the ambulance, leaving an empty space in my heart and a strange feeling.
However, we've been neighbors for more than three years. I wonder if any of his children will come to check on him. He is a good guy, and I hope he will be fine.
As I climb up to my apartment, I hesitate. Instead, I decide to visit my parents. I head to pick up my car in front of the restaurant and drive to my parents' place in Cap-à-l'Aigle, just 10 minutes from my place.
Unfortunately, due to restrictions, I can't go near them. I park my car near my childhood home.
"Hi, Marie. I'm outside," I announce, eager to meet with them.
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The Edge Of Insanity
Short StoryDespite his initial resistance and attempts to rebel against the authority, Étienne Bouchard ended up giving in to their control. Now, he found himself as a guinea pig in their experiment. After struggling with recurring nightmares, he gradually be...
