Becoming Strangers Again by Lily

LILY

Another day, another excuse not to show up at the hospital. I couldn't bring myself to face a patient, to look them in the eyes and offer them that practiced smile, telling them everything would be fine when, in reality, my own life felt like it was falling apart around me. I was

sinking, and nothing seemed to make sense anymore.

Sprawled out on the sofa with a half-empty bottle of water, I stared blankly at the TV screen. It wasn't on-just a black void. Nothing seemed to hold my attention these days. It was hard to focus on anything, hard to care about anything after everything that had happened. Everything felt distant and surreal.

There was a soft knock at the door before it creaked open. Neo stepped inside, offering a curt nod as he always did. "Good evening, ma'am," he said, his voice as formal as ever.

I didn't even bother sitting up. I simply swung my legs off the sofa, giving him a tired nod in return. "Do you have any information for me?" I asked, my voice flat, drained.

He didn't waste any time. Reaching into his coat pocket, he pulled out an envelope and laid it on the coffee table. With a slight flick of his wrist, he slid out a series of photographs. I picked up one of the pictures, recognizing her instantly.

"Her name is Camilla," Neo began. "A single mother. Her husband is deceased. She's currently caring for her sick daughter, who seems to be on dialysis."

I studied the face of the woman in the picture. I remember her clearly. My fingers tightened around the edges of the photo as I asked, "What about her address? Where does she live?"

"547 Hystan Street," Neo replied. "She lives there with her daughter."

I nodded slowly, absorbing the information. I handed the picture back to him. "Continue keeping a close eye on her. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately," I instructed. "We'll be paying her a visit tomorrow."

the day. It was already getting late, and Ryan should be home soon. I had

make him worry for no reason. This was something I had to handle carefully, quietly, until I was sure. "Yes, ma'am," Neo responded, still

presence immediately filling the room. His eyes flicked toward Neo with a spark of curiosity. "Is everything okay?" he asked, walking over to me and

furrowing slightly. He didn't say anything at first, but I could tell he was trying to make sense of the situation. He glanced between Neo and me before speaking again, his tone cautious. "Are you done with him?" His eyes were still on Neo, waiting for an

I am," I replied quickly, trying

with a slight wave. Neo gave a small, respectful bow before turning and leaving, the door clicking shut behind

slightly. He leaned in closer, his curiosity getting the better of him. "What were you discussing with him?" His voice was soft but insistent, like he needed to

out a slow breath. "It's about the case," I explained. "I asked him to look

expression shifted,

still on

though I knew he was only concerned. "Elara, just give me whatever information you have, and I'll

feel insulted. I narrowed my eyes at him, my voice a low hiss as I

"Of course not," he said quickly, as he tried to correct himself. "I just don't want you getting hurt. You don't know who these people are, and you

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me. "You don't need to worry," I said, forcing a calm tone, even though I could feel my

on me. "If you say so," he murmured, but there was a note of doubt in his voice.

day, Neo and

we arrived at her house, I