( the mischievous puppy by me :3 )

"Why! This isn't happening! Not them! It should've been me!" I shivered after yelling, denying the bitter truth.

I felt my arms flung towards Dr. Jack for a hug, which startled him, but he hugged me back.

"I-It s-should've b-been m-me." I muffled in his coat, crying my heart out as it started to be soft sobs and sniffles.

He rubbed my back in reassurance and comfort.

With all the crying, I drifted to sleep in his arms.

*
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*
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»*****«

I woke up in the middle of the night.

With tears stinging my eyes, I sat up and gazed upon the moon and twinkling stars by the nearby window, hugging my knees by my chest.

I can't believe it...

They're really gone in just a blink of an eye...

All my thoughts were blank.

I feel...

Sad..

Yet immune to emotions after crying my heart out awhile ago.

"I miss them..I hope I was able to see them..just for one last time.." I whimpered, now trying to accept the fact that I'll be all alone..

Forever...

Who knows what will happen to me now?

Maybe cleaning myself off would be a better way to start off....right?

I wiped the last set of tears on my face with my arm, soaking the hospital gown once again.

I'm starting to feel a lot better,

Physically, after that energy and rest I got from sleeping.

But not emotionally I guess..

I threw the covers off me and removed the tube that was pinned on my hand.

I guess I won't be needing that anymore.

I'm good to go in three days anyways.

I staggered on my feet, trying to regain my balance as I walked up into the CR.

Seeing my reflection made me jolt.

Everything was a mess

My hair is sticking out to different directions and my eyes are reddish from the cry that matched my sticky cheeks.

The hospital gown was even half drenched of tears.

I can already compare myself to a zombie, there wouldn't be any much of a difference.

Thinking about it made me giggle in the inside.

"I really need to clean myself up." I reminded myself with a deep sigh.

I took one of the neatly folded towels beside the sink and grabbed my usual clothes.

I hopped into the shower and felt warmth as the water trickled down my face.

Its been awhile since I cleaned myself

So,

I definitely needed to spend more time to tidy myself up.

After a well deserved bath, I slipped my usual clothes on. The striped sweater, indigo shorts and the combat boots.

Surprisingly, they still fitted me but not too well since it looked a bit bigger than usual.

I slightly lost weight...

Oh well.

I brushed my chocolate brown hair and hummed a happy a tune, satisfied of my work as I looked at my reflection.

I admit, I look more human now than earlier.

Shockingly presentable..

Just one more thing...

Sighing, I finally clicked the locket on my neck after a few attempts.

It was cold to the touch, but I feel warmth as if telling me that everything would be alright.

I smiled, pulling the best determined look I can muster.

I can survive this

I can still live with this

I encouraged myself, taking the locket as a connection to my family, my source of inspiration.

But...

How would I start living again?

Basically, I have no life now

Right...?

How would I continue if there's nothing where I could start?

How would I start all over ag-

Suddenly, I heard a shuffling sound by the door.

'Must be Nurse Lia or Dr. Jack.' I thought.

I hope they have some good news because I really needed one right now.

The shuffling only continued, making my curiosity ache.

Strange..

Shouldn't they at least knock..?

I languidly walked towards the door and twisted the knob open.

No one was around..

Till a small bark shocked me.

I looked down and saw a tiny white figure, looking expectantly at me.

A dog...?

"Oh, hi there little buddy." I greeted as I knelt down to reach out my hand and pat him.

He was too small for a grown dog yet too big for a puppy.

His big round eyes sparkled with excitement, as his tail wagged wildly.

Awwwww, He's adorable!

I giggled but he suddenly lunged forward and tackled me on the ground, licking my face in the process.

"Haha- stop haha please- it tickles!" I laughed, trying to get him off of me.

After hearing my words, he stopped and backed away from me, now barking with excitement.

"Obedient one, ey?" I chuckled in amusement.

Wait.

Pets aren't allowed in the hospital

Right...?

He must've lost his owner.

"What are you doing here, boy? This isn't a great place for dogs you know." He simply barked, as if understanding what I meant.

"Where's your owner? Is he or she here?" I asked again, ruffling its snow-white fur to check for any name tags or plates.

But there were none.

He suddenly stretched his paws and yawned lightly then he jumped into my lap, sinking his whole weight on me.

"Well I guess your a stray, huh... Don't worry, I'll keep you company." I soothed, gently stroking his white fur as he cuddled my other arm with his snout.

It surprised me, because Dogs aren't really fond of me, nor any other animal.

With the excitement I saw in his eyes...

I saw how happy he'd like to be in someone's company.

He must've been lost,

Wandering in the unknown,

Not knowing where to go or what's up ahead..

I figured out that we share the same thoughts and wants,

We're both longing for attention,

Companionship,

And

Protection.

The somnolent atmosphere made me drowsy as my eyes started to feel heavy, but they refused to break.

The Dog's ears abruptly twitched, seeming to sense and hear something.

That's when he bolted up and snatched the locket that hung loosely on my chest in one swift movement.

He broke free from my grasp and ran speedily to the hallways.

"Hey! Get back here!" I ran after him, nearly tripping on an elevated platform.

A few doctors and nurses with their patients exchanged looks as I whipped past them.

"Sorry!" I apologized with a glance to a nearby nurse, whom I nearly knocked down.

"F-frisk??! Wait!!" It was Nurse Lia,

I ignored her when she called desperately for me.

I felt bad

But I have to get that locket back.

I'll be back after this whole fiasco is finished.

I darted my eyes everywhere as my breathing quickened, panting here and there.

Screw it!

Now I've lost him.

I groaned, walking around a few steps a

Or so I thought.

I found paw prints leading to the exit before me.

As I was about to twist the knob open, I was hesitant of the idea.

Is leaving really necessary?

I guess so..

It doesn't even look like I have any other choice.

I need that locket back, it's my only hope to restore some of my memories back somehow.

I need more answers and that locket may have a part of it.

Besides..

Its the only reminder of what's left of my parents.

I opened the door and took a step outside and was greeted by the cold rustling wind.

I shivered, as the wind blew past my sweater.

Brrr!

Its cold as ice out here, my sweater doesn't seem to ease the cold at all.

I walked a bit more, shivering with my arms wrapped around my shoulders.

I effortlessly passed the hospital gates and the parking.

None seems to be out this late at night.

Except for that guard I passed by the gates.

But he even seems to be knocked out of the coldness and warm breeze.

The blinking city lights shone down by the edge of the cliff, catching my attention for a moment.

Guess I ended up farther than I ever imagined I was from home..

Mt. Ebott is the only towering area or mountain that would give you the breathtaking view of the city.

Strange it is since I don't remember a hospital located by the side of a mountain.

Especially the missing people being reported about this place.

Why would someone build a hospital near a myth-filled mountain..?

The rustling leaves by the trees got me back to reality as the wind blew harder and harder by the minute.

I'll freeze to death if I stay here any longer or maybe get bad colds.

I don't want to extend my wait in the hospital bed..

Sighing, I went the opposite way.

Hopefully, That dog would give up and run back in again.

"*BARK*!"

I whipped my head back and saw that mischievous dog looking innocently at me with my locket in his jaw.

Feeling a wave of relief, I took a step forward to him but he suddenly descended into the dark woods.

Great...

Just great...

Groaning, I ran towards the path he took. Ignoring the branches that whipped my face and the coldness stinging my legs.

Just what game is this dog playing?!

I don't remember any tricks like these to be trained to mutts.

Except if its a 'Bring me' kinda thing

But its the exact opposite of how I anticipated it to be.

Tired of the running, I ended up to a cave. A large cave.

There inside was a glint of Gold and a trail of that white dog as it was consumed by the darkness in it.

Luckily, Lanterns were aligned up in the entrance. A perfect guide to light the way of the cave.

'Maybe there were supposed to be miners out here...'

I thought, seeing a bunch of pickaxes piled up in a corner.

Walking further, I reached a big hole, making a big gap to where the dog was on the other side.

He was barking happily at the other side, excited to see me or my doom.

A wooden plank before me was stretching till the other end of the hole, making a way across.

You've got to be kidding me...

I shuddered, contemplating about crossing or not.

But I did cross carefully, not daring to look down.

I gulped walking down the wobbly plank. "C'mere puppy! Be a nice puppy and give that locket to me." I beckoned standing still to balance myself.

This is gonna be harder than I thought...

Luckily, the puppy inched closer.

"That's it! C'mere!" I beckoned again.

Don't worry this would end soon, everything would be alright...

Hearing my words doesn't seem to please him, he didn't come closer this time, which made my smile falter.

Instead, he inched towards the hole and was ready to drop the locket.

That's it!

Its now or never!

"Noonoonoo! Give-it-to- me." I demonstrated, desperately begging.

But he dropped the locket.

"Noooo!" I ran to catch it but it was too late, it fell down.

I lost my balance

My concentration

And my courage in one blow.

The plank wobbled and then I fell to my doom.

So this is how it ends...

"AHHHH!" I screamed falling down the endless dark pit.

Falling...

Falling...

Falling down, which seemed like forever.