MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 18

The elderly clerk was diligently engaged in correcting and organizing the ward records. All the previous admissions required summarization and filing, while the new entries needed to be recorded afresh. It was yet another demanding day. He had been feeling particularly fatigued over the past few days. Given his advanced age, it was not unusual to experience increased tiredness, yet this period had proven exceptionally challenging for him. Perhaps it was due to the escalating workload, though he had no other explanation.

"Arthur, where are you, Arthur?" Mey called out with urgency.

"I am here," the old man replied, raising his hand to signal through the group of people. Mey spotted him and approached with a brisk pace.

"I have been searching for you everywhere. Do you possess the files for the patient in bed 38? She was discharged this morning, and I was not informed," she said, her tone both hurried and concerned.

"Yes, I do. They have been returned to the storeroom. Do you require them?"

"Yes, indeed. As promptly as possible."

"May I inquire as to the reason?"

"I need her to return for testing in the plasma laboratories. We require individuals who have recovered to be examined. They persist in discharging patients without notifying me. Additionally, please provide me with the data on patients discharged this week, as it may be necessary."

"Understood. I shall review the files and ensure everything is prepared by tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Arthur. You are the best. I must go quick. I need to attend to His Majesty. I shall see you tomorrow." She hurried and was out the door in a blink.

"Little one, wait..." The old man began, about to call her back to offer her a newly acquired sweet—chocolate, but she already gone. He knew she had a fondness for confections similar to his own, and he often shared his new treats with her. However, she had been unusually occupied of late.

"Good day, Arthur," came a solemn voice. It was Ein from the science lab, currently working under Mey. A young man of considerable intellect and seriousness, his pale complexion, large round spectacles, and oversized lab coat gave him an eccentric appearance. The old man was not particularly fond of him, finding his demeanor overly serious, though he appreciated the young man's dedication.

"Ah, Ein," the old man acknowledged.

"Has Dr. Mey informed you about the reports on the patients that may be needed?" Ein inquired.

"Yes, she has. I will have them ready by morning. Now, run along..." He gestured for Ein to leave, but as the young man turned to depart, the old man called him back remembering of something to ask him about.

"Hey Ein, listen."

"Yes?"

"Could you inform me when little Mey is next available? She always seems occupied these days. And dear me, have you observed her? She appears quite frail. Though she was slender before, at this rate, she may deteriorate further. What is the matter with her? Why does she not take some rest?"

"She is currently managing consecutive shifts in the wards. In addition to her rounds, she leads the research across all laboratories and frequently visits His Majesty for followup too. Though, with His Majesty's condition improving, she might not need to make that visit much longer. Hence, she is indeed very busy and cannot afford leisure time at present. Especially not for your daily teatime." Ein said with a smirk teasing him.

"You impudent..." The old man began with a hint of exasperation, but was interrupted by a sudden coughing fit. Ein stood awkwardly, awaiting for him to recover. As the old man composed himself, he continued, "Ah, that was unsettling. As I was saying... (cough) ahem, please deliver this to her when you encounter her. She departed before I had the chance." The old man handed him a bar of chocolate, accompanied by a card.

"What is this?"

"You need not concern yourself with the details. Simply place it on her desk in the lab."

"I'm afraid I cannot bring food into the lab."

"Just do it, young man..." The old man shook his fist playfully, causing Ein to flinch slightly, though he maintained his composure. "Sigh... Simply place it on her desk. It is wrapped, so it should be permissible. Ensure she receives it today, understood?"

"As you wish, Arthur," Ein replied, begrudgingly, and proceeded on his way.

"That insufferable lad. He just doesn't listen the first time." the old man muttered as he returned to his task of arranging the files and medical records. He was ready to head out as  mey was gone till the next morning and his work was almost finished. He also longed for the comfort of home and a restful night, as the long day had thoroughly exhausted him.