again emotional

"Hah! Hah! It was just a dream..."

The hollow gasp barely escaped Alix’s throat. His entire body was drenched in a cold sweat, his heart hammering against his ribs so violently it felt as though it would burst through his chest. Throwing his eyes open, he stared blankly up at the ceiling where the fan whirled rhythmically in the dim light.

That dream again. It had broken through the locked doors of his mind once more. The same thick fog, the same deserted road, and that unrecognizable shadow that always marched forward, stopping only when it was close enough for Alix to feel its suffocating presence.

He drew a long, ragged breath and forced himself out of bed. Looking down at his trembling hands, he clenched them into fists to steady himself. This had become his twisted morning ritual.

He walked quickly to the washroom. Gripping the edges of the sink, he looked at his reflection in the mirror—dark circles shadowed his eyes, and lines of sheer exhaustion were etched deeply into his face. He grabbed his toothbrush, brushed his teeth, and then splashed freezing water over his face. The cold shock dulled the burning anxiety in his mind, if only for a moment. Patting his face dry with a towel, he returned to the bedroom to change.

Today was different. Today held the answers to the questions that had been haunting him—or perhaps, it would mark the beginning of an entirely new nightmare. Dressing in a sharp, dark suit, he stood before the mirror one last time. His eyes held a sharp, desperate intensity.

The Descent

Alix hurried down the stairs. The massive house felt strangely hollow and silent, a perfect reflection of his own inner world. Outside in the driveway, the driver was already waiting by the car, clearly anticipating his arrival.

Alix locked eyes with him and said in a flat, commanding tone, "Start the car."

"Right away, sir," the driver replied with a respectful nod, moving quickly to open the back door.

But Alix paused. Pulling his smartphone from his pocket, his mind raced with a burning friction. He quickly dialed a number and pressed the phone to his ear, his impatience mounting with every ring.

After a few seconds, a bright, cheerful voice broke through the line. "Hi Alix! You’re on your way, right?"

It was Jojo. There was a natural liveliness in her voice that usually softened Alix's cold demeanor, but today, he was in no mood for pleasantries.

Alix cast his gaze downward, his eyes narrowing as he focused entirely on the call. He spoke in a low, dead-serious voice, "Yeah, I'm on my way. The doctor will be there, right? Because I have something extremely important to discuss with him."

A soft, reassuring chuckle came from Jojo’s end before she turned serious. "Yes, yes, he’s actually waiting for you. Just get here quickly."

The tension in Alix’s jaw relaxed slightly. "Alright. Good."

He ended the call. The driver, who had been waiting quietly, gestured toward the open door. "Sir, please get in. The car is ready."

Without a word, Alix slid into the back seat. The engine purred to life, and the car smoothly pulled out of the driveway, merging into the bustling morning traffic of the city. Alix rested his head against the seatback and stared out the window. The passing crowds and towering skyscrapers blurred together into a meaningless haze. His mind was entirely anchored to one place: the psychiatrist's clinic.

The Arrival

It didn't take long for the car to pull up in front of a sleek, modern commercial plaza located in one of the city's upscale districts—a hub for renowned mental health professionals. Alix stepped out of the vehicle, gave the driver a brief nod to wait, and pushed through the heavy glass doors of the building.

The atmosphere inside was a stark contrast to the chaotic streets. Spotless white walls, the faint hum of central air conditioning, and a mild, soothing fragrance filling the air. The sharp click of Alix's shoes echoed against the polished marble floor. The fear inside him had now morphed into an agonizing impatience.

"Hi Alix! Over here!"

The sudden voice cut through his thoughts, causing him to stop in his tracks. He turned around.

Jojo was standing a few feet away. As always, she looked energetic and professional, clutching a few files against her chest with a warm smile on her face. Seeing him, she quickly walked over.

Alix bypassed any greetings, cutting straight to the point. "Where is the doctor?"

Jojo picked up on his urgency, her smile shifting into an understanding expression; she was well-acquainted with his abrupt nature. Tucking the files under her arm, she pointed toward the elevators. "6th floor, right door, room number 43."

Alix looked at her for a brief second, a flicker of gratitude crossing his otherwise stoic expression. "Thanks," he muttered under his breath.

Floor 6, Room 43

Alix strode toward the elevators and pressed the button. The metallic doors slid open instantly. He stepped inside and pressed the number '6'. As the elevator began its smooth ascent, Alix could feel his pulse quickening with every floor he passed.

6th floor.

The elevator came to a gentle halt....

[to be continue ]

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