Kiem's Unsolved Mysteries

Kiem's Interrupted Afternoon

Kiem sat in his dimly lit office, the afternoon sun slanting through the dusty blinds and casting long shadows across his cluttered desk. A faint but pleasant scent of petrichor, the earthy smell of rain after a dry spell, hung in the air, carrying a sense of tranquility. He was engrossed in a well-worn paperback, its pages whispering forgotten stories of distant lands and adventure.

"Just a few more chapters to save the princess," Kiem muttered, turning a page with a rustle, it was his favorite edition of the book series.

A sudden, sharp rap on the old wooden door shattered the peaceful atmosphere. Kiem glanced down at himself, feeling suddenly self-conscious. His usual work attire had been replaced by a comfortable fleece sweatshirt and a well-worn pair of relaxed-fit jeans, a testament to his escape into the world of the book. "Coming!" he called out, shoving the book shut with a thump and tucking it under his arm.

The old door groaned as it swung ajar, revealing a disheveled Adler. His typically cheerful countenance was now filled with anxiety, and sweat glistened on his brow. Not only was he warm, Kiem realized with a sudden shock, but it seemed that Adler was practically emanating nervous energy.

Adler's outfit was a stark contrast to Kiem's casual attire. A dark suit with subtle pinstripes hugged his form, while the shoulder pads imbued his posture with a certain authority. Underneath the jacket, a light blue dress shirt peeked out, complemented by a thin paisley-patterned tie that added a hint of flair. His pleated trousers fell sharply to his polished leather oxfords.

"Kiem, thank goodness you're here," Adler said, his voice tight with urgency. "I need your help."

Seeing the usually cheerful Adler so troubled, Kiem knew this was more than a minor inconvenience. He leaned forward, placing his book on the desk with a soft thud. "All right, calm down, Adler. What's wrong? Is everything okay?"

Adler took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "It's... it's hard to explain. But something's happened, and I need your help to figure it out."

"Whoa, whoa, slow down," Kiem said gently. "Why don't you sit down for a minute? Catch your breath."

Adler nodded gratefully and lowered himself into the chair across from Kiem's desk. He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. "I can't tell you the details right now, but..."

Adler's voice trailed off. Before Kiem could inquire further, Adler stumbled and collapsed onto the floor.

Kiem's heart lurched. He shoved his book aside and scrambled out of his chair, rushing to Adler's side. Kneeling beside him, Kiem checked for a pulse. Relief flooded him as he felt the steady thrum against Adler's wrist.

"Adler! Wake up!" Kiem shouted, his voice laced with panic. He placed a hand on Adler's shoulder and shook him gently.

Kiem's heart pounded as he saw Adler lose consciousness. Adrenaline surged through him, and he sprang into action. "I need an ambulance!" Kiem barked into his phone, his voice trembling slightly.

"There's been an emergency at my office," Kiem explained quickly and clearly, explaining Adler's condition and location. While waiting for the ambulance, Kiem carefully checked Adler, ensuring his airway was clear.

As the ambulance disappeared down the street, Kiem's worry gnawed at him. He paced the office, his mind racing about what could have caused Adler's collapse. He thought about Adler's frantic arrival, the uncharacteristic sweat, the urgency in his voice. It was clear something significant had happened, something that had shaken Adler to his core.

Kiem decided to focus on what he could do. "I should call Adler's wife, and let them know what happened," Kiem thought aloud. He grabbed his phone and dialed a number.

"Hello, this is Kiem. Is this Mrs. Adler? It's about Adler..." Kiem explained the situation to Adler's wife, offering his help and support.

Settling back at his desk, Kiem straightened the papers scattered across its surface. Work provided a much-needed distraction, a way to channel his anxious energy into something productive. He knew he wouldn't be able to truly focus until he heard from Adler, but for now, work would have to be done.