Gio’s throat clogged when he found Sandy sprawled on the floor. Gone was the color in her cheeks, even from her lips. Carefully, he cradled her head and tried to wake her up to no avail.

“Dammit!” He picked her up and deposited her still form on the sofa.

Scrolling through his contacts, he found Tabi’s number and waited for his friend to pick up. Tabi came from a family of medical practitioners, save for the guy himself who got himself into art. But Tabi’s not answering. He tried Taeyang. His best friend picked up on the third ring. Loud music was on the background but not for long. He guessed Taeyang went some place they could talk.

“Yo, Gee.”

“Are you with Tabi?” Gio asked.

“Yep. Why?”

“Tell him to pick up his damned phone! While you’re at it, ask him if he knows any doctor in Fersth.”

“Fersth? That’s roughly two hours and a half from Serendra City. What are you doing in that town in this weather?” Taeyang asked.

“Why are you having a damned party in this kind of weather?” Gio bit back.

“Don’t ask me, this is Tabi’s. Anyhow, why would you need a doctor?”

Gio’s patience was on edge. He took a lungful of air before speaking slowly but there’s no mistaking the underlying fury in his voice, threatening to come out. “Get Tabi on the phone now.”

He didn’t wait long. He heard a door open and loud music flooded his ears again. After a while, the noise got muted. They must have stepped out.

“Gee, what got your briefs in a twist?” Tabi drawled through the line.

“Do you know any doctor in Fersth?”

“Yes, I do. But why ask me? Your Dad’s network is more extensive than mine. And why do you need a doctor, are you hurt?”

“Dad’s in a conference. He won’t be available until tomorrow. Get that doctor here, quick!”

“What’s the address? Wait, the storm is getting worst. I’m not sure if Doctor Jung is crazy enough to make a house call,” Tabi said.

Gio looked at the unconscious woman by his side. Tabi is right, no sane man would brave this storm. But what can he do? He’s no doctor, his magic works only in business. But he can’t just watch her grow paler by the minute. Gio stood up and went to the kitchen. He caught a glimpse of an address book beside the kitchen phone earlier.

He thumbed through the entries hoping to find the address of the house but there’s none. He then search the book’s flap cover. His fingers found an old resident ID. It belonged to a certain Martha Park, it was the same name he found in that diary in Sandy’s bag. The woman in the picture looked old enough to be Sandy’s grandmother. They share the same smile.

“The address is No. 26 Cherry Lane St. West Quarter, Morganville, Fersth.”

“Wait, whose house is that? You’re practically neighbors, bruh.”

“Oh yeah? Good. Tell him to get here ASAP. I don’t know what to do with her.” Gio breathe in relief.

“You’re with a girl?” Tabi’s voice was teasing.

“That’s none of your business,” Gio snapped. “Thanks.” He ended the call just like that.

Sandy’s chest moved up and down as she breathe but the palor on her face stayed. He stared at her like a dumb guy who’s at the end of his wits. He never felt this helpless before. He was used to being in control. And when did he started caring anyway? He suddenly remembered something and it made him busy with his phone. After a while, he was reading the reply to the text he sent. He nodded his head in satisfaction and turned to Sandy again, lost in his thoughts. The ringing of his phone made him flinch. It was Tabi.

“I gave your number to Dr. Jung so he can call you when he gets there. You’re lucky he’s at home and off duty. By the way, he knows a certain Martha Park owns that house. I was told she passed away nine years ago. I assume it’s the granddaughter Dr. Jung would be treating?”

“Yeah. She just got discharged from the Southern Cross earlier today. I found her unconscious a while ago in her kitchen while prepping dinner,” Gio confirmed.

“Oohhh. Dinner. You got someone cooking for you now, my boy? I’m not gonna wonder where would it lead later. Get it, man!” Tabi made gorilla noises over the phone, a feat too easy for him with his rich baritone.

Gio couldn’t help chuckling. “It’s not like that, dummy. I went to check a site here in Fersth. I miscalculated, the meeting took longer than expected. All hotels and inns in the area are fully booked. I’m just here for a place to eat and sleep.”

His impatience is now more manageable that Gio managed to explain. Though if he wished, he can just let Tabi think of whatever he wishes to think about the situation. He doesn’t care anyway. The worst they could do is endlessly tea$e until the novelty wears off. Or, th