Kiem's Unsolved Mysteries

At the hospital

Finally, the imposing silhouette of Mercy Hospital came into view. Kiem pulled into the parking lot, his gaze fixed on the brightly lit building. With each step closer to the entrance, the weight of the unanswered questions seemed to lessen, replaced by a singular purpose – to see Adler and offer whatever support he needed.

The automatic doors of the hospital whooshed open as Kiem hurried inside. The sterile scent of disinfectant filled his nostrils, a stark contrast to the dusty scent of the hidden lab that still lingered in his memory. Relief washed over them as he thought of Adler, hoping to find him well.

He reached the elevators and pressed the button for the floor where Adler was being held. As the elevator ascended, Kiem couldn't help but replay the nurse's words in his head: "The patients in room 2006." A flicker of unease sparked alongside the relief. Why would the receptionist hesitate before mentioning Adler's condition?

Room no 2006. Kiem took a steadying breath before reaching out and knocking gently on the door. The rhythmic pounding of his heart seemed to fill the entire hallway. A voice, slightly hoarse but undeniably Adler's, called out from within.

"Come in."

Kiem pushed open the door, and there, bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp, was Adler. Relief washed over Kiem in a tidal wave, chasing away the last vestiges of worry.

"Adler!" Kiem exclaimed, a wide smile breaking across his face.

"Kiem," he whispered, his voice barely audible but filled with urgency. "Did you...?"

In a voice laden with sorrow and desperation, Kiem responded, "I would never 'backstab you, I swear upon my life."

Adler's voice, though weak, carried a sense of resolve as he said, "Kiem, good. There's something I need to tell you."

Kiem pulled a chair close to the bed and sank into the soft foam seat. "Take it easy, Adler. You should be focusing on getting better."

Adler nodded his head, his gaze fixed on Kiem. "This is important. It's connected to why I came to your office...".

Kiem's surprise deepened. "You went there before you came to my office? But how did you know...?" Kiem's voice trailed off, his eyes searching Adler's for answers. The confusion etched on Kiem's face mirrored the urgency in Adler's weakened state.

Adler's breath hitched slightly. "There's a lot to explain," he rasped. "It's all connected. What happened to me, why did I come to your office..." He coughed; his body wracked with a brief spasm.

Kiem reached out a hand, placing it gently on Adler's arm. "Hold on, Adler. Rest now. We can talk about this later when you're feeling stronger."

Adler squeezed Kiem's hand weakly. "No, Kiem. It's important. You need to know..." He closed his eyes, his breathing shallow and labored.

The tension in the room was thick. The unanswered questions hung heavy in the air.

A loud knock on the door startled them both. "Mr. Adler? Time for your medication," a cheerful voice announced from outside.

Kiem withdrew his hand, his gaze flickering between Adler and the closed door. "Maybe that will help you feel better," Kiem said gently. "We can continue this conversation later."

Kiem's heart lurched as he exited the hospital. Adler's cryptic words and weakened state gnawed at them, leaving a trail of unease. Turning towards his office, he spotted a splash of color on the roadside. Squinting, he saw a strange flier flapping in the breeze.

Drawing closer, Kiem recognized it as a flyer, similar to the ones often used for local events or missing pets. But the message scrawled across it sent a jolt of ice through his veins. In bold, eye-catching letters, it declared:

THE WORLD'S GREATEST RESEARCH HAS BEEN MADE