"Willow Medical Center, InpatientDepartment. Ninth Floor, Room 903... Mia."

Thanks to Caleb's support, I quickly find the place where Mia is recovering in.It's been said that Kevi and Mia are very close.She's the key to finding him.

"l'm terribly sorry, Adjutant.The patient has just recovered from being in critical condition. Visits are prohibited unless her primary care physician authorizes it. This applies to Fleet personnel as well."

"Could I speak to the doctor then?"

The nurse looks me up and down. There's a hint of suspicion in her eyes.

"Dr. Jones is busy with meetings with a visiting team of medical specialists. The earliest you can schedule an appointment with him is next week."

"I understand."Mia is in a precarious situation right now.
But with the hospital's strict security measures, her safety is guaranteed at least.I find myself walking to the elevator, and my gaze falls on the directory sign. The administrative offices are on the 16th floor.If Dr. Jones is in a meeting, he might be on this floor.Ding. The elevator doors open. While engaged in hushed conversations, several doctors step out.I guess I can only try my luck upstairs now
Just as l'm about to enter the elevator, a familiar voice cuts through my train of thought like a blade of frost. "Zayne!"The figure wearing a white lab coat turns around.When our gazes meet, he adjusts his glasses. Surprise flickers in his eyes. "Is this the "confidential schedule" you talked about two weeks ago? Don't worry, I'll experience memory loss once I'm back in Linkon."

At the vending machine, Zayne gets himself a latte. He gives me a bottle of pear juice. "If I'm not mistaken, a few days ago you said the Association ordered you to take leave.However, I didn't think a medical center in Skyhaven was a vacation spot."

"Well."

He slightly tilts his head back to sip his coffee and frowns because it isn't sweet enough. He scans the department signs on this floor.
"You don't have to explain why you're here.It's obvious."

I sigh and give Zayne a rundown of the incident. "figured I could talk to Mia and see if she knows anything about Kevi."

"Mia is no longer in critical condition. She should be able to receive visitors."

"Do you know Mia?"

"Her primary care physician used to be my colleague. He mentioned her during his visitzSince Mia was exposed to a Metaflux explosion, I checked her heart to ensure she's all right."

"How is she now?"

"Her physical recovery is going well. But she was badly shaken by the accident. Mia still displays signs of avoiding the outside world. But you talking to her might help ease her nerves."

"If it's possible, l'd like to try!"

Zayne taps the folder containing medical records.
Then he looks at me.Give me a second. I'll ask.Dr. Jones, you have a moment."A few minutes pass. Then, Zayne puts his phone away. Under my hopeful gaze, his expression softens as he nods.Follow me. I'll check on Mia's condition first. And if she's all right, I'll ask her.After receiving the visitation guidelines, I take a deep breath and follow him into the hospital room.In the pristine white room, a young girl, around ten years old, sits on the bed. Her face is covered in bandages. "Mia, the nurse said you drank some milk today. That's good."Mia turns her head without responding. With a blank stare, she looks out of the window.Zayne crouches down by the bed. He gently touches Mia's elbow. "Since you listened to the doctor and the nurse, it doesn't hurt as much now?"The little girl slowly blinks, silently acknowledging Zayne's words. "While waiting for the pain to go away, do you want a reward?"

"I wanna go home."

Her soft voice, tinged with sorrow, resounds in the quiet ward.
My heart feels a faint pang, as if that voice reached out to me, urging me to move closer.However, I hesitate, unsure of how to start a conversation.Seeing that Mia has noticed me, Zayne speaks in an even gentler tone which radiates reassurance.

"She's my friend, a skilled hunter who's saved many children like you."

It's unclear which of Zayne's words affect her, but she slightly stirs. "Hello, Mia."

Zayne calmly observes, stepping back only when he sees Mia doesn't flinch at my approach. "Do you want to talk?"
Mia hesitates and nods. Relieved, Zayne and I exchange looks.
Zayne leaves the room. On his way out, he taps my hand, silently telling me not to stay for too long.Taking a seat beside the bed, I tenderly hold her hand."Mia, what you went through... I also experienced that.You must be really upset."Her small hand slightly twitches in response to my words. "Do you miss your brother, Mia?"

Her empty eyes flicker with emotion. She's about to cry. "Is he... dead?"Her eyes are filled to the brim with tears.

"Mia Don't worry, he's probably just hiding."

"But I always find him. I can't this time."

"Your brother wouldn't just leave you. He probably got into a bit of trouble.Can you tell me what you saw before the explosion happened? I might be able to help."

She stares at me. And just as she's about to speak, a knock interrupts us.A person wearing glasses and a dark-colored uniform enters. He has the Farspace Fleet's insignia on his armband.

"It seems the Colonel forgot to inform us. What brings you here, Adjutant?" His scrutinizing gaze washes over me, and I look away. It seems today won't go according to plan.

"The Colonel has his reasons. Just do your job."

I'll stop by next time to avoid any trouble.As I'm about to leave, Mia suddenly calls out to me.

"Miss"She retrieves a burnt dog plushie from behind her pillow. She sounds nervous when she speaks. ""Thank you for visiting me. Can I give you Lucia as a present?

Lucia... Is this dog plushie? "Sure."