MAYA, my love.

CHAPTER 31

The antiseptic aroma of the ward enveloped Mey again, a suffocating shroud that amplified her anxiety. Sun shone through the windows, she stood beside Arthur's bed, her heart heavy with dread. He lay there, pallid and frail, still his condition worsening with every passing moment. Nothing she tried seemed to work and she by now had tried everything she could. He was not getting any better. He had not woken up at all that day and it was the worse sign. His nervous deterioration had worsen to the extremes that he didn't even recognize her a few times before. That had hurt her the most.

"Doctor? " Ein asked when she hadn't replied for a while. He positioned himself near her, his brow glistening with sweat. "I am sorry, we have failed again to find a correct solvent to complete the preparation for injection and accurately dilute the fluids. Everyone has really tried their best. They haven't slept for days. We still need more time unfortunately. Although I think we are closer to the end."

"End! What's the point of that end that comes after we have lost arthur" Mey retorted, her voice cutting through the still air like a blade. The words erupted from her, sharp and unfiltered, betraying the anguish she struggled to conceal. "We cannot afford any further delays. He is running out of time! I want to go ahead with the concentrated solution if it doesn't get done by tomorrow. "

Ein's countenance fell as he glanced at Arthur, whose labored breathing echoed in the silence. "Mey, I comprehend your distress, but it might be dangerous—"

"Then act with haste! What do you expect of me. Just watch him die in front if me without trying anything. You know he will die if.... " Her voice trembled, the façade she maintained fracturing under the weight of her desperation. Ein went quiet and noticing she was just yelling at him unjustly because of her emotions, mey felt embarrassed. She took a step back and turned sharply to get out of there.

Mey returned to her rounds with a heavy heart. She recalled that, after a span of four hours, she would need to reassess the patients' vitals. Moving from bed to bed, she meticulously evaluated each patient's condition, remaining vigilant for any complications that might arise. Eventually, she arrived at the bedside of a little girl who was sleeping peacefully.

Mey observed the child closely. The girl who had, just a few days prior, been restless and inconsolable was now enveloped in serene slumber. Her breathing was regular and stable, and her cheeks had regained their rosy hue. Mey felt a flicker of hope and instructed the attending nurse to inform the girl's anxious parents that their daughter would soon recover and be ready for discharge. How joyful they would be, Mey mused.

However, as she leaned in, she noticed that one of the little girl's hair ribbons had come undone. Gently, she reached forward to tie it securely into a charming bow that complemented the child's bright countenance.

"Elina, am I correct?" Mey addressed the sleeping girl softly. "You are indeed a fortunate child. The individuals who cherish you have been attentive to your needs, swiftly recognizing your illness and bringing you here in a timely manner. You shall be saved. Yet, there is Arthur..." Mey's voice faltered.

"Arthur is the unfortunate one. The individuals who loved him were preoccupied with their own tribulations, failing to notice his plight. And now, he faces the grim prospect of death." The words escaped her lips with a profound weight, choking her with emotion.

Mey detested this reality. She understood the inevitability of it, yet had refrained from articulating such despair until now. Now that the truth was spoken, the anguish enveloped her. The past several days had unfolded in a relentless blur—filled with despair, hope, restlessness, continuous prayers, and an endless cycle of distraction.

She felt utterly exhausted. Before she could succumb to her despair, she steeled herself. Her duties were not yet complete; she could not afford to indulge in the sorrow that threatened to overwhelm her. She had to fulfill her responsibilities