It doesn't take long before I'm at the hospital. My mind is still a storm of confusion and need, but the tight knot in my chest pushes me forward, demanding action.
I stride into the lobby, the receptionist desk coming into focus. My eyes lock on the young woman behind it, and my voice comes out low, but tight. No pleasantries, no politeness... just raw urgency.
"I need to see Doctor Scott, urgently. Any way you can help me with that?" I don't even make the effort to greet her properly.
She looks up immediately, her face turning crimson as she smiles shyly. The sight does nothing to ease the frustration boiling inside me. "Uh… Sir, Doctor Scott disappeared a long time ago. His search has been going on for quite a while," she says, fumbling with the words as her cheeks burn brighter. "But, um… I can get you another doctor who specializes in what he used to do." She offers the words like an apology, but it only feels like more bad news.
Disappeared?
