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."

Ryan should be home soon. I had no intention of letting him find me

this until I was absolutely certain I was on to something. I couldn't afford to get his hopes up or 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 standing in the

flicked toward Neo with a spark of curiosity. "Is everything okay?" he asked, walking over to me and planting a soft kiss on my forehead. "Yes," I

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

am," I replied quickly, trying to keep things

didn't hesitate. "You can go," he said, dismissing Neo with a slight wave. Neo gave a small, respectful

to me, his body language shifting slightly. He leaned in closer, his curiosity getting the better of him. "What were you discussing with

asked him to

shifted,

you still on that?"

just

words stung like a slap to the face, and I couldn't help but feel insulted. I narrowed my eyes at him, my voice a low hiss as I confronted him. "Did you just call me

shock. "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,

**************

off his concern, refusing to let him see how much his words had affected me. "You don't need to worry," I said, forcing a calm tone, even though I could feel

you say so," he murmured, but there was a note of doubt in his voice. He didn't seem entirely convinced, and it only

Neo and

we arrived at her house, I felt a small flicker