[Doctor Zhen Jian]
Today may have been quite strange, but at least the night seems to have calmed. I place Mrs. Patient gently on her bed, her serene face framed by the soft glow of the lantern light. The clinic is quiet, the flickering shadows on the bamboo walls creating a peaceful, almost hypnotic atmosphere. I finish my sword practice, the rhythmic swishing of the blade, a calming ritual, and my bath, the warm water washing away the remnants of the day's tension.
It's time for bed. I stretch a little, feeling the satisfying pull of my muscles, before laying down on my makeshift bed. The floor is lined with several blankets on the bamboo floor, enough to create a snug, comfortable nest. I enjoy being sandwiched between blankets, the weight and warmth a comforting embrace.
I place Grandpa, my trusted sword, next to my bed and turn to face Mrs. Patient. Her breathing is steady, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. The room is cool, the air fragrant with the faint scent of herbs and the lingering aroma of the evening meal.
[Huo Lian]
He is finally resting. Today was a great day, and despite my reluctance to sleep, it would be selfish to stay awake after all the effort he put into getting me ready for bed. His presence is near, a reassuring beacon that I can sense completely. His proximity calms me, and I allow myself to drift towards sleep.
Hmmm, I guess I will sleep now. Huh? I felt movement behind him. Who… what!!!!
I feel movement, a disturbance in the air, and my heart races. The room, our sanctuary, now feels like a trap. The air is thick with tension, every second dragging painfully. I sense the presence of another, their hostile intent. I sense him raising the blade up.
NO
NO
NOOOOO
Breathing becomes a struggle, fear clutching at my chest like a vice. Never in battle have I felt this way. Even at the moment of my death, facing the five bastards who killed me, fear was absent. I resented them, hated their arrogance and the way they disrespected me. But now, I feel true fear.
Horrifying fear.
Mindnumbing fear.
Why?
Anxiety gnaws at me – what if he doesn't wake up? What if...
In this moment of fear, a startling clarity washes over me. It isn't just my life at stake – it's his. I fear loss. I have something to lose. My Doctor, I don't want to lose him.
The thought of him falling, of him being hurt, is unbearable. My heart aches with a fierce, protective instinct. I would rather face death a thousand times than see him harmed.
[Doctor Zhen Jian]
I feel someone's step behind me and grab Grandpa instinctively. Much like when I fought General Zheng, time seems to slow down. I can see the super slow swipe of the sword, every detail crystal clear.
I walk up to the man who is still swinging his sword at the spot where I was sleeping. His eyes widen in shock, his muscles tensed in a futile effort to retract his attack. But he's too slow for me. I glance at Mrs. Patient, sleeping soundly, and a surge of anger wells up within me. This time, it is my own anger, not borrowed from her.
The man's attack might have harmed her. I cannot forgive that. I do not want him to ever place her in danger again. He is still trying to recall his sword. I look at his neck; I could end his life quickly by removing his head. But I don't want the room where she sleeps to be stained with his blood.
I slowly walk behind the man. Bringing Grandpa up, I strike the back of his neck where the head meets the spine. Master called it the bone that carries the world. The moment my blow connects, time resumes its normal pace, and he falls like a sack of potatoes.
I walk over to Mrs. Patient. Her breathing is fast, her heart rate even faster. She might have heard the man falling.
"Sorry to wake you, Mrs. Patient. We just had a really big bug. I was worried it may bite you so I squashed it. I'm going to throw it outside."
Sighing, I pick up the lifeless body and take a few pieces of wood, placing them on top of him before setting him on fire. The flames flicker and dance, the scent of burning flesh a sharp contrast to the tranquility of the night.
After washing my hands, I check on Mrs. Patient again. Thinking back, this is the first time I have been further than a foot from her. Even though I could see her the whole time, she might feel scared if she couldn't hear me.
I sit at her bedside and place my hand on her wrist as usual. Her heart rate is just as high as it was. I sigh and hold her hand with both of mine, speaking slowly.
"Sorry, Mrs. Patient. I promise I will always stay right next to you. Now, please sleep well."
[Huo Lian]
When he promised me, my anxiety finally began to calm down. He promised me, just like the boy promised meet. My heart, which had been in my throat, finally returned to where it belonged. He held my hand with both of his, his hands cool to the touch, so refreshing. I was always warm, hot even when I was angry. So, to me, his slightly cool hands felt like a breeze during the summer.
I couldn't help but fall asleep. Today indeed was a good day.