Chapter 30: Hospital

Bile rose up his throat as his breathing seized and his heart suddenly started pounding hard, wildly in his chest. It was reflex, reflex created by years of suffering; his instant turning towards the door, his sweaty immediate grip on the door handle, the anxious speed with which the door was pulled open and which he would also have used to escape had it not been too late… too too late.

*

“Alright, bye!”

Joan waved at Sisi before entering into her house. She was home 30 minutes earlier than she ever came home. She had forced Sisi to give her a ride, avoiding Sisi's incessant questions during the drive home about the ‘Cute, charming, effortlessly cool guy that came to look for her the day before'.

“King!”

That was who, she thought and chuckled as she looked around the silent house. Why would he be home and switch off the lights? She switched it on, hanging the keys before hurrying up the stairs, still backing her bag. She passed her room and barged into his… empty.

“King?”

She wa