Masked

XX.

"The condition of your daughter is stable. However, I'd like to keep her here for the night for further surveillance", the head doctor of the emergency room told my father, while I was still busy with inhaling oxygen. My ears perked up.

"Another night? But please, can't I go just now? I'm feeling so much better, I surely- "

I was interrupted by a fit of coughing.

"Miss Bennet, it's better for you to minimize your talking for the next few hours. Like I said, your condition is stable for now, but the amount of smoke you inhaled could have serious consequences for your health", the doctor told me, still very objective.

I wanted to talk back when I saw the stern gaze my father shot me. I kept quiet instead.

"Thank you", father then said.

"Don't worry. Your daughter will be fine by tomorrow."

The doctor gave us a nod before he left the room. Father took a sit next to my bed.

"While they were setting up the oxygen supply, your mother called", he started.

"The fires are extinguished, and they informed us about the overall situation... The entire west wing, alongside the entrance hall and of course, my office got burned down completely."

"And everything else?", I asked, completely ignoring the fact that I was told not to talk mere seconds ago.

"A miracle must've happened, because our bedrooms got spared so far."

A relieved sigh escaped my lips. Of course, in all the hurry I had left my phone, alongside my passport and my identity card in my room. To hear now that everything was untouched had an almost comforting effect.

"... However", father then continued, "We can't come back. At least not immediately. I'm sure Trinity already noticed that Lopez is gone and that we're still alive. It is not the safest option to return to the manor. Or, well... What is left if it."

"What are we going to do now?", I quietly said to myself.

"Or, what are you and mother going to do?"

Father looked at me and sighed.

"You really are serious about travelling to South America, aren't you? ... In other circumstances I would praise you for being so independent and taking matter into your own hands like I taught you, but..."

He made a long pause, which I took to finish his sentence.

"I know, it is dangerous. And I know you don't trust Lopez after everything he did to our family. But... I'm thinking about Lara. Non-stop. She needs me. And now more than ever since we finally figured out the final clues."

I cleared my throat. I probably should've listened to what the doctor had told me, but I just couldn't sit still and do nothing.

"You took quite the liking towards her, don't you?", father broke the silence that had appeared.

Feeling caught, I averted my gaze and focused on a spot on the wall.

"I just want to – "

"I know. And... As long as you're happy, your mother and I are happy too. ... And Richard would be, as well."

A thin smile spread on my lips. Father seemed to understand the situation. He cleared his throat.

"Anyways, your mother and I won't return to the manor. I can probably establish my emergency quarters at a good friend of mine, while your mother will visit your relatives in Ireland for an uncertain amount of time", he then continued.