Cherries, Maws and Butterflies

Normal things

Detective Sid's mind was awash with thoughts as she sat at her desk, pondering the next steps. The diary had provided an intimate glimpse into Jazzlyn's world, but it had also raised more questions than it answered. Sid knew she needed to dig deeper, to unearth the hidden truths that lay buried beneath the surface.

Her thoughts kept returning to the peculiarities of the hospital and the 13th floor. There was something in that building, and Sid couldn't shake the feeling that it might be connected to Jazzlyn's death.

The next morning, Sid returned to the hospital. She made another appointment with Dr. Patel in the name of further investigation, but her true goal was to investigate the mysterious 13th floor. As she stepped into the elevator, she felt a knot of tension tighten in her chest.

The elevator hummed softly as it ascended, the numbers glowing dimly as they climbed higher. Sid's pulse quickened as she approached the 13th floor. When the doors opened, she stepped out and took a moment to steady herself before continuing up the stairs to the 14th floor.

Dr. Patel greeted her with a curt nod, his demeanor as cold and clinical as ever. "Detective Sid," he said, his voice devoid of warmth. "What can I do for you today?"

"I'm following up on Jazzlyn's case," Sid replied, trying to mask her suspicion. "I have a few more questions."

"Of course," Dr. Patel said, gesturing for her to take a seat. "Ask away."

Sid kept her questions focused on Jazzlyn's medical history and any unusual occurrences at the hospital. But her mind was elsewhere, plotting how to gain access to the 13th floor. She knew she couldn't ask Dr. Patel directly; he was too guarded, too elusive.

After a brief and unproductive conversation, Sid excused herself and made her way back to the stairwell. She paused on the 14th floor landing, her eyes fixed on the door to the 13th floor. 

The rusty lock and the absence of security cameras gnawed at her curiosity.

Sid took a deep breath and descended the stairs, stopping just before the 13th-floor door. She pressed her ear to the cold metal, listening for any sounds from within. The faint smell of blood was still there, mingling with the stale air of the stairwell.

Determined to investigate, Sid took out a small lock-picking kit from her pocket. She glanced around to ensure she was alone before crouching down and working on the rusty lock. Her hands moved deftly, the tools clicking softly as she manipulated the tumblers.

After what felt like an eternity, the lock finally gave way with a soft click. Sid pushed the door open slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. The dimly lit corridor stretched out before her, the walls lined with peeling paint and flickering lights.

She stepped inside, the door creaking softly as it closed behind her. The smell of blood grew stronger, and Sid's stomach churned with unease. She moved cautiously down the hallway, her footsteps echoing in the eerie silence.

The first door she came to opened with ease. Inside, she found a small, cluttered office. Papers and files were strewn across the desk, and the walls were covered in medical charts and diagrams. Sid's eyes were drawn to a stack of notes on the desk.

She picked up the notes on top. 

They were what they looked, notes, some medical notes.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. Sid quickly slipped out of the office, closing the door softly behind her. She pressed herself against the wall, her heart pounding in her ears.

The footsteps grew louder, and Sid held her breath, praying she wouldn't be discovered. The figure stopped outside the office door, and Sid recognized the silhouette of Dr. Patel. He hesitated for a moment before continuing down the hallway, disappearing into the floor below.

Sid waited until the sound of his footsteps faded before exhaling slowly. She knew she needed to get out of there , but she couldn't leave without further investigating the 13th floor.

There was another door. 

The walls near the door were lined with shelves filled with medical supplies and equipment.

She tried to open it, but it wouldn't open.

She made her way back to the stairwell, dismayed.

As she ascended the stairs, her mind raced with the 13th floor it seemed very, normal to say the least.

Everything seems normal, but this ain't some story, its reality, and in reality, normal's not normal.

Normal's suspicious.

Normal's weird, its out of place.

At this point Sid did not know, if she was just overthinking it...

As she left the hospital, the weight of her lack of progress pressed down on her like a leaden shroud. 

Back at her office, Sid opened Jazzlyn's diary again on her desk, her eyes scanning the evidence with meticulous precision. 

She knew she needed to tread carefully – whoever was responsible for Jazzlyn's death was dangerous and would stop at nothing to protect their secrets.

She flipped through the pages once more, searching for any mention of the hospital or anyone who might have had a motive to harm her.

"I had a strange feeling today. I don't know if it's just my anxiety or if something is really wrong. I just hope I'm being paranoid."

Sid's mind whirred with possibilities. She knew she needed to talk to Happy,because honestly, Sid couldn't control her mind's wandering to think she's just a suspect here.

"Hello?"

"Hello, uhm, is this Happy?"