Thrown Into Madness - Lord of the Mysteries

The Problem

Tuesday's morning sun passed through the clinic's tall windows, spreading across the white walls.

It was a calm day, but already very busy for this particular building.

The usual hum of activity filled the space.

The large medical hall was always occupied, but in a good sense of the word.

A beautiful young lady with long golden hair and ruby-red eyes gently led worried parents to a sick child.

Near the entrance, there was a large, spread out, resting area with separated beds.

Having finished her guidance, Ellone moved away, walking to a nearby room to check on the medicines.

Assistants and members of the Abyssal Troop under the Senior Assistant Scoutmaster hurried around.

They either took care of patients or skillfully mixed together the medical herbs.

Yet, even through the noise, Tarkel barely noticed any of it.

His eyes flicked to the door for what felt like the hundredth time.

"She should've been here by now."

Tarkel muttered under his breath, sidestepping uneasily in front of a desk by the entrance.

At this moment, the door to the laboratory clicked as a voice came from behind him.

"You've been staring at that door for nearly an hour. If you're this distracted, why don't you just check on her?"

It was a calming tone.

Tarkel turned back to see Ellone's smile as she leaned against the closed door.

Ellone's expression was kind, but her eyes were firm.

Tarkel stopped moving, scratching the back of his neck.

"I don't want to seem overbearing. Maybe she got held up with chores or her family needed her. But Aria's... punctual. She's always early. And it's not just today, she hasn't been here since her last appointment."

Ellone walked over, her sharp, bright-red eyes studying him.

"You're worried."

Tarkel frowned but nodded.

"I am. She's barely eight, Ellone. And the way she smiled when I told her that the plague's symptoms have been cured and she could return home... She wouldn't just skip her follow-up."

Ellone folded her arms, still leaning lightly against the wall.

"Did you tell her parents she was cured?"

"No."

Tarkel admitted, his eyes pinning to the floor.

"I wanted her to hear it first. After everything she's been through, she deserved that moment."

Ellone tapped her finger thoughtfully against her arm.

"Go. Check on her. We'll manage here."

Tarkel hesitated.

"Are you sure?"

She smiled faintly.

"We'll be fine. Besides, I know you won't stop worrying until you do. And when you're worried, you don't do any work anyway. Just pay her a visit, call it special treatment."

Tarkel beamed.

"Thank you, Ellone! I'll be right back."

He turned around, immediately walking to the exit door.