Taming The Tiger Man - Genma Series #1

Accompanied by Paul, Angelina stepped into Genma Hospital. She took in her surroundings with awe and nervousness, her gaze wandering to various corners.

Her eyes fell upon two large elevators across from the automatic glass doors. One elevator was labeled "Patient Only," while the other bore an "Employee Only" sign. "I think we should head down the right hallway," Angelina suggested, her attention drawn to the signs hanging from the ceiling — "ADMISSION" in one direction and "OBSERVATION ROOM" in the opposite.

Paul nodded without objection, his hand tugging her suitcase. As he scanned the interior, a low, appreciative whistle escaped his lips. "This place is pretty impressive, Angel."

Paul's hushed remark coincided with the passage of a UFO-shaped baby-sized cleaning robot. Its mop-like legs spun 360 degrees slowly, intriguing both Angelina and Paul. Yet, it wasn't just the snack and beverage machines lining the waiting room or the giant television displaying queue ticket numbers that impressed Angelina. It was the presence of the patients seated on the dark blue sofas that truly captured her attention.

"Genma Hospital specializes in treating individuals with genetic disorders and other incurable illnesses," Angelina recalled Doctor Reiner's words as her gaze fell upon a young teenage girl with an asymmetrical face. The girl's unusual ears and irregular nose shape were unmistakable, as were the two adult men nearby whose bodies were covered in dense fur, resembling more black wolves than humans.

Treacher Collins syndrome and Hypertrichosis, Angelina concluded. She knew about some uncommon human conditions. Even though the patients and their relatives had unconventional appearances, the waiting area was uncrowded. Nurses wearing white overalls with green trim uniforms and caps adorned with Genma Hospital's gold logo hurried past, carrying patient files.

Approaching the long white marble table where the receptionist was, Paul initiated the interaction. "Excuse me, we're guests of Doctor Fonda. Could you please let her know that Doctor Angelina has arrived?"

Angelina, however, was more interested in the ceiling above, her curiosity piqued by the abundance of CCTVs. Before she could voice her wonder, a familiar voice cut through her thoughts.

"Oh, you've made it."

Angelina turned, finding herself face-to-face with the woman who had collided with her car. Doctor Fonda stood before her. She clad in a tight dark brown blouse and an above-the-knee black skirt. Her white doctor's coat added a touch of professionalism, which contrasted with her junior's casual attire, creating a distinct difference between the two.

A warm smile formed on Angelina's lips as she greeted her coworker. "Hello, this is Paul, my husband."

Fonda nodded at him. Her diamond earrings caught the light as they swayed. She then turned her attention back to Angelina. "Come with me."

*****

“This is your room.” Fonda's words echoed in Angelina's mind as they entered a spacious room on the fourth floor of Genma Hospital. The room's design resembled a tube, with expansive dark windows covering almost half the walls. The stunning horizon view wasn't the only impressive thing. The room also boasted luxurious furnishings.

"Wow, this place is amazing!" Paul's whistle of approval drew Angelina's gaze. He placed her suitcase by the entrance before exploring the room further, eyes landing on the min kitchen across from the bathroom.

Despite the grandeur, a sense of unease settled within Angelina. It wasn't the room or the generous salary that troubled her but the prospect of being separated from her husband.

As Paul examined the well-stocked refrigerator, he exclaimed, "You're in luck, Angel. They've even stocked up on frozen food for you. You won't have any issues—"

Angelina's interruption was swift, concerned about revealing her lack of knowledge. She walked to the wooden table, her unease surfacing. "Does the laptop have internet access?"

Fonda, who had been leaning against the door frame, straightened up. "I forgot to mention, the cellular network here is unreliable, including the internet. We can only communicate through a regular telephone."

Fonda gestured toward the white wired telephone on the nightstand beside the king-size bed. "The operator will assist with calls."

Angelina's frustration surfaced as she checked her cell phone, which displayed a lack of network signal. "So, how do I send messages? I—"

"Angel." Paul closed the refrigerator and shook his head. "It's alright. We'll see each other on weekends. Don't miss out on this opportunity."

Fonda's snort of laughter reached Angelina's ears, causing her to exchange a questioning glance with her coworker. Fonda's expression remained as rigid as before, possibly due to her makeup having a solidifying effect.

When Fonda raised an eyebrow inquisitively, Angelina shook her head. She could have been wrong, just like when she thought she heard Bowo, the tiger, say "hello."

"Our rules are stringent. Family visits are not allowed for any reason except for the initial drop-off and pick-up," Fonda explained, noting Angelina's lack of further objections.

Apologizing, Paul frowned and scratched the back of his neck. "We weren't aware of that. Angel, I'll head home now."

Although her heart sank, Angelina mustered a smile, avoiding any semblance of entitlement. "Alright, drive safely."

Fonda gestured towards the hallway outside, adorned with red carpet. "Allow me to accompany you to the lobby."

"Take care at work," Paul's parting words were accompanied by a light peck on Angelina's forehead. With that, he exited the room and closed the door behind him.

Angelina stood still, her gaze fixed on her cell phone screen. It's like being cut off from the world. I can't even send messages to my colleagues.

Resigned, she let out a sigh. "Maybe something is interesting on TV."

Turning the interior lock, she walked to the king-size bed near the towering window. The rush of wind outside prompted her to glance in that direction, catching sight of a white helicopter ascending from the building's rooftop.

Curiosity ignited within her. She was eager to learn more, not only about her new workplace but also about her role. Perhaps she would discover more when Fonda returned to pick her up.

Slipping off her black sneakers, Angelina sank onto the plush and fragrant bed. She reached for the TV remote on her left and settled in to enjoy a movie on the 32-inch screen before indulging in a soak in the expansive bathtub.