MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 26

Mey stepped into the medical ward, the familiar antiseptic scent permeating the air. Though she had returned to work for approximately a week and everything was back to normal, an unsettling feeling persisted, lurking just beyond her awareness. Arthur had been absent for an unexpectedly prolonged period, and despite her efforts to concentrate on her tasks, her focus remained elusive.

"Dr. Mey, is everything satisfactory?" Ein inquired, his brow furrowed in concern as he observed her staring blankly at the same page for an extended duration.

"Yes, everything is fine," she replied, suddenly more attuned to her surroundings.

As the day progressed, her unease grew increasingly pronounced. The reports accumulating on her desk felt trivial in comparison to the pervasive sense that something was amiss. As she surveyed the ward, the absence of Arthur's laughter and banter created a palpable emptiness that gnawed at her again.

After considerable reflection, she resolved to take action. Following the submission of her application to leave early, she set off toward Arthur's quaint residence, situated on a rugged, dusty road. She had been gone there with him many times before.

Upon arriving at Arthur's doorstep, she knocked, the sound echoing through the stillness. The garden, which was usually meticulously tended, now appeared overgrown and wild—a stark contrast to its customary charm. Was Arthur still not returned? She knocked again, but received no response. In a moment of heightened urgency, she knocked repeatedly.

"Arthur?" she called, her voice wavering slightly. Still, there was no reply. Her heart began to race as she knocked once more, louder and more desperate, yet the door remained resolutely shut. He still wasn't back but everything felt suspicious. She could not return without some form of information. Desperation gripped her as she hastened to the neighboring houses, her footsteps echoing on the pavement. She knocked frantically, her breath quickening with each unanswered inquiry. Finally, an elderly woman opened her door two houses down the street. On seeing the girl busy catching her breath at her doorstep, curiosity etched upon her face.

"Good day, I am Mey. I am a friend of Arthur Bellack's from work. He lives up there in that house. Might you have seen him around? I am unable to locate him; he has not reported to work in days," Mey implored, her voice trembling slightly.

The woman's brow furrowed in thought. "Ah Arthur Bellack that old bastar...... I recall. Several weeks ago, I visited his residence for our customary tea and a game of mahjong with some other friends. However, he rather brusquely declined our invitation, stepping back a few feet while holding a handkerchief to his nose. How rude, right? He mentioned something about going to the main hospital in Miller Cross when I inquired about him about that. He disclosed nothing further and promptly banged the door right in my face. Quite the  jerk, I must say."

Mey's heart sank, dread washing over her. The implications of maintaining distance, holding a handkerchief to his nose, and going to Miller Cross Hospital struck her with a heavy realization. 'Was it...... No it couldn't be.'

"I must take my leave at once. Thank you for your assistance," she stated, turning to depart.

"Please, look after him when you find him although he deserves a lecture on ettique," the elderly woman called out as Mey hurried across the street.

Panic surged within her, and the world around her blurred as she raced back to her quarters. Each step felt increasingly burdensome, the weight of impending dread pressing down on her. Arthur was afflicted by the epidemic? How had this come to pass? When had he fallen ill? Why had he not sought her assistance? Why choose Miller Cross Hospital and not come to the Royal hospital? A myriad of questions flooded her mind, but the most pressing was the guilt that consumed her—she had been on sick leave when Arthur fell ill, leaving her unable to support him. He had always been there for her; now, when he needed her she wasn't there.

She was running frantically. Reaching the palace gate she went straight to her dorm. Gathering her essentials, her hands trembled as the ominous feeling settled deeper in her gut. She submitted her application for immediate leave, disregarding any concerns about its approval. Her foremost priority was to reach Arthur without delay. There was nothing of greater importance than this. Before departing, she meticulously compiled a list of her duties, dividing her responsibilities equitably among her colleagues according to their expertise. She had no choice; they would have to manage the additional workload during her absence. She finished as quick as she could and ran out to go to Miller Cross on the first ride she could find.