When Love Comes Late

This is Seamarsh Hospital.

Something has happened to Matthew Clark.

Please come to the hospital immediately.

”

Stella’s mind went blank in an instant.

“What did you just say? What happened to Matthew?”

‘s BunnyBookery

“You need to come to the hospital quickly.

He’s in Ward 701.

”

The caller abruptly hung up.

The abruptness of the call left Stella feeling as though her legs might give way.

She leaned against the wall, taking a moment to collect herself before her consciousness fully returned.

She hastily clutched her phone, descended the stairs, and rushed straight to the door.

In the villa area, an eerie silence hung heavy.

In the absence of any sounds but the faint glow of streetlights, the only audible noise was her own labored breathing.

After what felt like an eternity, a taxi arrived.

While waiting for the driver, Stella continued to call Matthew, but each attempt yielded no response.

Anxiety gnawed at her, and as soon as the car pulled up, she wasted no time, urgently pleading, “Please drive faster.

”

The hand that held her phone was ice-cold, and the brief drive felt like an agonizingly long journey.

Upon reaching the hospital, Stella bolted from the car and sprinted toward Ward 701 with all her might.

She flung open the door, only to find the room empty.

The disheveled bed hi

nted at recent occupancy, but Matthew was nowhere to be seen.

“Matthew?” Stella’s face drained of color, her voice quivering with fear.

She scanned the ward frantically but found no trace of him.

She double-checked the ward number—701.

Had the person on the phone given her the wrong information?

Stella hastily left the room and dashed to the next ward, but the outcome was the same.

There was no sign of Matthew.

Her heart plummeted to the depths of despair.

“Are you looking for someone?” a woman’s voice inquired from behind her.

Stella whirled around to see a nurse approaching.

She rushed to the nurse, her words stumbling.

“Matthew… Is Matthew here? Which ward is he in?”