𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐬 | Tyler Hernandez x Reader

| Ep 67 & 68 |

This and Ep 66 were scheduled to be published in about 2-3 days, but I couldn't wait.

"A parasitic fungus? Do you have any idea how insane that sounds?"

I ask him as I run a hand through my loose locks. God, if only Aiden or Ben were to here to braid it...

"Yes, that is what is causing you kids to show...zombie-like symptoms."

I scoff at that and stand up to pace the room, "No, that's crazy. You sound crazy, Alex."

He exhales through his nose and watches me walk back and forth, "I know what it sounds like. But it's exactly what is written on Tyler's report."

"What?! What are you talking about?"

The mere mention of him was enough for me to give my full, undivided attention. Whatever involved Tyler was more than enough to concern me.

"On his report that was written when he was hospitalized, it mentions symptoms that match up to the ones we had been documenting. As to where the fungus originated from...well, it all traces back to the Sorrel Weed House."

I bite my inner cheek, trying to think back to that day. Sure, that was where it all started...but there was nothing there physically there that could have caused us to get sucked into the phantom realm.

"No, that doesn't add up. You're saying that we got sick from the Sorrel Weed House."

Alex nods, "Yes. In its basement, which I believe you all were in at some point during your visit, there is fungus that has been growing down there for some time now. The inhalation of it is what causes hallucinations and for one to get infected."

I groan and rub my temples as I lean against the tiled wall, "No way...there is no way."

"It's a lot, I know. But what I want you to understand here is that our only intention is to help you kids. We are working to end your suffering, your illness."

I shake my head and look over at him sitting on the table, "How do you know what we feel? How do you know if you aren't 'infected'?"

"Well, you aren't the only ones."

"There are more people like us here? Are they okay? What do they know-"

"They know and feel what you kids do. As of right now, we have no clue how to remove the fungi from your system. So, all we can do for you is make your stay as comfortable as possible until we find a cure."

I furrow my brows and cross my arms over my chest, "You're saying we're stuck here until you find a cure? How long is that going to take?"

"I can't say for sure..."

"How long, Alex? A couple of days? Weeks? Months?!" My voice gradually rises as I make my way over to the table.

I notice him reach into his pocket as I close the distance between us. He did the same thing when I ambushed him earlier. Whatever was in his pocket was his way of calling for backup without alerting me. But I wasn't going to hurt him.

"I can't be kept in here! What about my friends?! And my mom? Oh my God, mom..."

I trail off, feeling awful for completely forgetting about her until now. I have no idea when I will see her. I turn my head to face Alex, "Did my mom give you consent to do all of this? Does she know?!"

"I can't answer that..." Alex cowardly admits, lowering his head.

I sharply inhale and reach down to grab the collar of his scrubs and force him off the table, "Does she know?! Does my mom know where I am?!"

"That is not for me to say!" Alex responds but doesn't even attempt to escape my hold.

"Bullshit! What else are you not telling me, huh?!"

The hand in his pocket retracts. He isn't going to call for help? How stupid... What if I was going to kill him right here?

No...he knows I won't.

I sigh and let him go. He plops back down onto the table and readjusts his scrubs, "I am so sorry about this. I am only allowed to share so much with you...All I can say is that you have nothing to worry about. All we ask is that you cooperate with us during your stay."

He gestures toward the TV bolted to the wall, which I hadn't paid much mind to before, "We will provide you with whatever it is you request. At least, what they will allow. You already have a TV with multiple streaming services, and if there is anything you would like to help kill time, let me know."

"Tyler."

"Hm?" He hums.

"I want Tyler." I say again, shooting daggers at him with my piercing gaze.

He scratches his temple, "I don't think..."

"Why not? Huh? Why can't I see him? Why can't I see anyone?"

He rests his hands on his knees, "It's best if you are all kept separate for a while. At least until we've grown accustomed to having you here. We need to monitor you for some time before we consider allowing you to interact."

My chest pangs at the thought of staying away from everyone for God knows how long. I can't be left alone with no one but Alex to talk to. I need my friends back. I need Tyler back.

Assuming we were too far from our second bodies, we'd reset and still be here when we shift next time. That means there was literally no way for us to speak to one another until we find a way out of this room.

Alex senses I don't have much else to say. He reaches into the plastic bag and hands me a black remote,

"For the TV. I'm certain you'll find something you like," He points to one of the buttons, "This is a call button. Press it whenever you need me or anything at all."

I reluctantly take it and examine it in my hand, searching for anything suspicious about it. Once I've determined it's just a normal remote, I toss it on the bed and look over at Alex, who's already at the door.

"Where are you going?"

He looks over his shoulder at me, "You are not the only one in need of an explanation."

Alex then shuts the door behind him, leaving me in complete and utter silence. All I can do now is process everything he told me and think of a way out as soon as possible.