Elara
The last three hours were quiet. There were moments when I almost fell asleep. At one point, William called me on video, and we talked for nearly two hours. After we hung up, I stepped out to buy water and something to eat. I was starting to feel hungry. Unfortunately, the cafeteria was closed. I took out my phone and started searching for nearby restaurants or convenience stores.
Suddenly, my necklace turned warm.
He is close.
I looked up. Dr. T was walking toward me.
"I thought you left," he said, stopping only one step away.
"I just came out to buy water and something to eat, but the cafeteria is closed," I replied, a little disappointed.
"I know a small restaurant that's open twenty-four seven. I can take you there."
"But my uncle—"
"He won't wake up anytime soon," he said calmly, his hands resting behind his back.
"And you're not busy? Are you on break?" I asked.
He looked at me steadily. "Do you want to eat or not?"
"I do", I said, nodding like my life depended on it.
"Then come."
"How far?"
"Five minutes."
We started walking.
I didn't say anything else, but I noticed spirits staring at us. It was hard to ignore them when every single one of them was watching.
The restaurant was tiny. Only one man was inside — probably the owner. To my surprise, he was a werewolf.
What the hell?
The moment he saw Dr. T and me, he straightened his back.
"Welcome, Sir. Miss."
I tried to smile politely. I'm not sure it came out well. We sat down. The werewolf was about to bring menus, but Dr T ordered immediately.
"I'll have chicken chow mein."
Then he looked at me. "The same?"
"…Yeah. I'll have the same."
"And water," he added.
The werewolf returned quickly with two bottles of water, opened them, then left.
I took a few sips.
"You come here often?" I asked.
"I try to come as often as I can."
The way he said it felt layered. Like there was more beneath it.
"Where do you live, Dr. T?"
"Here. Hong Kong. You? The same?"
Why does he say "same" like he already knows?
"Yeah. But I was born and raised in the U.S."
"Do you like it there?"
"Well… I'm used to it. I grew up there."
But the real answer was mostly no. I don't like it. I just don't know where I belong either. I've only been in China a few days, but somehow it almost feels like home.
"So, shortly, you don't like it," he said gently.
He sounded different here than at the hospital. Softer.
"And you?" I asked.
"Me what?"
"Do you like working at the hospital?"
"It's fine."
"So basically, you don't like it either. Then why stay? You could choose any profession."
"I could", he said, looking directly into my eyes. "But for what I want, I don't have a choice. Not for now."
"And what do you want?"
He smiled faintly. Before he could answer, the werewolf brought the food.
"Thank you," I said.
He began eating without finishing his thought. Which made me even more curious. Who was he? I could tell he wasn't human. So what was he? Why did my necklace react to him? Could I just ask?
But what if he wanted to hide it? Who am I to question him when I ignore every supernatural being myself? Still… curiosity was killing me.
"You like it?" he asked.
"Yes. It's really good. I'll definitely come back."
After we finished, he paid.
"You shouldn't have. I could've paid. Or we could've split it."
"Consider it my treat."
"I hate being in debt."
"Next time, you can pay."
"Next time?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
"You talk like there will be one."
"I'm sure there will."
When we reached the hospital entrance, my phone rang.
William ❤️
I don't know why, but I immediately glanced at Dr. T. The moment he noticed who was calling, something shifted. His eyes darkened. His jaw tightened.
"He's really a night owl," he said coldly.
"I… I'll take this."
He didn't respond. Just watched me.
Why am I hesitating?
"Hello?"
"Hi, baby. What are you doing?"
"I just got back to the hospital."
Dr. T hadn't moved. Neither had I.
"Where did you go?"
"To buy something to eat."
"You could've called me."
"It's okay. You should sleep."
"I can't sleep without you, baby."
I didn't know what was more uncomfortable — talking to my boyfriend in front of Dr. T, or Dr. T watching me do it.
"You'll see me in the morning… baby."
The word felt strange leaving my mouth. Dr. T's jaw clenched harder.
"Miss Elara, we should head back. I need to check on your uncle."
"Who's next to you? Don't tell me it's the doctor," William snapped.
"After you," Dr. T said calmly.
My eyes widened. He was speaking to me while I was still on the phone.
"It's Dr. T," I clarified to William.
"Why is he there? Were you with him?"
"He—"
"Miss Elara, say hi to your boyfriend."
"Dr. T says hi."
"Well, fuck him."
"He says hi back," I told Dr. T.
"I'm sure he does."
"I'm coming to the hospital," William said.
"Calm down. Please."
"How can I be calm with him around you?"
"William—" I lowered my voice. " Baby. Calm down."
"Jealous boyfriend?" Dr. T asked.
"Just a little."
"A little more", William admitted.
God. This is uncomfortable.
"I'll call you back."
"Baby—"
"I promise."
"Okay. I love you."
"Me too."
I hung up quickly.
Dr. T's face was composed again, but his jaw was still tight. We stopped outside my uncle's room.
"I'll go inside," I said.
He didn't move.
I turned to open the door when he asked, "Do you love him?"
"Excuse me?"
"Do you love him?"
"Why does it matter to you?"
He shrugged slightly. "Curiosity."
"Curiosity", I repeated, stepping closer. "I don't think it should matter to you whether I love him or not."
He smirked. Not warmly.
"I don't think he suits you."
"And if he doesn't, who would?"
He didn't answer. He exhaled slowly and closed his eyes.
"I have rounds to do," and he left.
What the hell?
Inside, I sat in the dark.
"Do you love him?" The question stuck in my mind. Of course I love my boyfriend. But… why did it sound like a lie? I like him. I like how he looks. But why did I feel like I was doing something wrong in front of Dr. T — not William?
My hand went to my necklace. Cold. But earlier, around Dr. T, it had burnt. Yet I hadn't felt sick. I hadn't felt dizzy. If anything… I felt grounded. What is happening? I shook the thoughts away. Then I hesitated before calling William back.
This was going to be a very long conversation.