The Sole Survivors' Club

Chapter 14

Monica glanced up when Carl set his hand on her shoulder, and then turned to look where he pointed.

A young Asian man in a white coat nodded at her when she stood up, speaking quietly. “We’ve moved her to a private room now.”

Monica asked, “Is she okay?”

“We’d like to keep her overnight for observations, but she seems to be recovering,” the doctor said. “Your aunt is resting now, but if you want to see her, I can arrange a short visit.”

“Please,” Monica said.

“I’ll just need a few minutes, if you’ll wait here.”

She nodded, watching the doctor walk away before she frowned at Carl with a miserable expression. “I should have talked her into staying at home.”

Carl’s voice was soft and sympathetic. “You know she wouldn’t listen.”

“I know, but...” Monica shook her head. “Never mind. Is it safe to tell me what you saw yet?”

“Yes, but I’m not sure what to make of it. There were three marid involved in the attack, but only those three. The rest of the group surrounded my car.”

Monica’s expression became confused. “Wait, so the bus didn’t flip because Bernice said something, did it?”

“No, the marid were dancing on the bus before she spoke.”

“There was also a jinn sitting behind me.”

“Yes, I saw an ifrit, though it was smaller than the normal hyenas. I think it shrank itself to fit in the floorboard.”

Monica shuddered and looked around the waiting room, almost expecting to find a pair of fiery eyes staring back at her.

Aside from a few other people sitting in the beige plastic seats, the room was deceptively empty.

The doctor returned and led them to a elevator, and Carl started to fidget. “Uh, I’d like to use the stairs if it’s possible.”

The doctor frowned. “The elevator would be faster. I have some other appointments to—”

“No, it’s okay.” Carl sighed and glanced at Monica. “We all have to get over our problems sometime, right?”

Monica nodded, watching Carl’s calm demeanor fall apart while they waited for the elevator to arrive. She reached out to take his hand when the doors opened, and his palm was slick.

The ride was only two floors up, and the elevator traveled smoothly without problems. Yet the instant the doors slid open, Carl all but dove into the hallway.

“Claustrophobia?” the doctor asked.

“Phobia of elevators,” Monica replied. “If it’s all the same to you, we’ll take the stairs when we leave.”

“Yes, of course.” The doctor led them to a private room and opened the door. “You can find the stairs down that hallway. Just follow the signs.”

“Thank you.” Monica walked into the room and waited until the door closed before she turned to watch Carl. “Are you okay?”

“No, but I can pretend I am for now.” Carl sighed as he glanced at the bed. “There won’t be much to our visit. She’s out cold.”

Monica went to the bed and took Bernice’s hand. “What are we supposed to do? We can’t touch them, or even see them most of the time.”

“I’m not sure. Dealing with the possession is one thing, but the others are still hovering nearby.” Carl stepped up behind her, laying a hand on her shoulder.