f12yin

Sorry, Anthony, you might have to wait. She's treating a patient that came in this afternoon.

May I wait for her here?

Of course. Water?

No, thank you. I wouldn't want to get in your way.

Alright, I'll be making my rounds.

(Glances at watch)

I hope there's enough time...

Young man! Hey, young man!

Oh, sorry, were you speaking to me?

Yeah, for a while now, but seems like you didn't hear me.

I apologize; I was checking the time. Did you need something?

No, I just saw a hole in your shirt, so I was asking if you could come over so I could fix it.

Thank you. I suppose I didn't notice it because I was in a hurry.

But I'm afraid I have to leave soon.

Sit down already. Just because I'm old doesn't mean my hands don't work. It'll only take a few minutes.

...Thank you, ma'am.

You're a friend of Dr. Domma's?

Yes.

That's what I thought. You're always stopping by to see her.

Are you a patient of hers?

Yeah, she's really nice. I've got bad knees, and she's been a lot of help.

She's always been kind like that.

I guess you already know that she's leaving? She told me yesterday that I'm being handed over to Dr. Silence.

...Is that so. What a shame.

Must've heard some dumb patient calling her a weirdo behind her back. Silly, really! She's so patient and detailed. You don't get many doctors like her.

I completely agree.

But I guess that's that. Dr. Silence said she tried to convince her to stay, but she wouldn't change her mind.

She may be gentle on the surface, but she's stubborn. Once she puts her mind to something, no one can change it.

After relying on her for everything when I was stuck in a hospital bed, helping fix her friend's clothes is the least I could do.

There, how's that?

Wonderful. Thank you.

Oh, there's no need to thank me.

(Glances at watch)

Are you leaving?

Yes, I have to go.

You sure you don't want to wait? She'll be done in a minute.

No.

Hold on, you're going by yourself? I thought she was coming with you.

No, I came to say goodbye. I'm the only one who's leaving.

Oh, I must've misunderstood then. I could've sworn you were taking her with you.

No, it's better for her to stay at Rhodes Island. My revenge is my own business. I don't want to drag anyone else into it.

Speaking of which, can you do something for me, Dr. Silence?

Well, you can ask.

Can you give this book to her?

Just a book?

And a message. Tell her that...

Tell her I haven't finished it yet. Tell her to keep it safe.

When will you be back for it? What do I tell her?

Silence is the crueler answer, you know.

You take care. I need to go now.

Anthony!

Anthony...

...*sigh*.

Silence looks down and sees that the corner of one page has been folded. She opens the book and sees an illustration.

A man stands in a prison cell, his back to the window, his face obscured by shadows and iron bars. He extends a wilted finger through the bars and out beyond the picture.

There is a single line of text beneath the illustration.

I have sinned. I have killed. I seek no sympathy, no forgiveness, no salvation. I seek only suffering, and eternal torment.