Chapter 2: The echoing voice
After the morning's class, Maria scanned the campus for any sign of Lilly. She found her friend sitting alone in the park, a shadow of her former self. The tension between Lilly and Noah still hung heavy in the air, an unwelcome presence that refused to dissipate.
"Hey Lilly," Maria began, concern etching her voice. "What happened earlier with Noah?"
Lilly looked up, her eyes haunted by distress. "Maria, I heard... I heard something," she whispered, her voice trembling as much as her body.
Maria knelt beside her, her brow furrowing with worry. "What do you mean? What did you hear?"
As Maria approached, she noticed something was wrong. Lilly's usually serene demeanour had been replaced by a trembling form, and her vacant stare betrayed an inner turmoil. It was as if she had been thrust into a nightmare, unable to escape its clutches.
Concerned and alarmed, Maria rushed to Lilly's side, wrapping her arms around her in a comforting embrace. "Lilly, you're shaking," Maria said, her voice filled with worry.
Lilly's shivers seemed uncontrollable, and Maria's heart ached with each tremor. Tears welled up in Maria's eyes as she held on tightly, desperate to shield her friend from whatever demons were haunting her.
Moments later, Maria gently released her grip, offering Lilly a glass of water and a small bottle of calming pills. "Here, Lilly, try these. They might help."
Lilly took the glass and the pills, managing a faint smile. "I'll be alright, Maria. See? I'm already feeling better," she reassured, though her eyes still held a hint of unease.
Upon their return home, Lilly hurriedly retreated to the bathroom, seeking refuge from the unsettling events of the day. She stepped into the shower, allowing the warm water to wash away the remnants of her distress.
However, as the water flowed, an eerie malevolent voice echoed in Lilly's ears, its words laced with accusation and resentment. "Why did you do this to me?" it hissed each word a venomous dagger. The intensity of the voice was overwhelming, and Lilly's legs gave way beneath her, sending her collapsing to the bathroom floor.
The sound of Lilly's fall echoed through the house, a chilling reminder of her vulnerability. Maria, who had been waiting anxiously, heard the crash and rushed to the bathroom in a panic. She knelt beside Lilly, frantically trying to rouse her unconscious friend.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Maria grabbed her phone and dialled for an ambulance, her voice quivering with fear as she explained the dire circumstances.
At the hospital, the doctor examined Lilly and asked Maria about the situation and how Lilly was when she found her. Maria explained that Lilly had fainted in the bathroom, which is how she found her, and she also mentioned the evening incident in which she said she was hearing something, suggesting they might be related. The doctor listened attentively, taking notes.
"Has Lilly experienced any recent stressors or traumatic events in her life that you're aware of?" the doctor inquired.
Maria, still shaken, replied, "I don't think so, doctor. Maybe it's related to a boy she met today, Noah. I introduced them, and she seemed a little uneasy, but I don't think it's the cause."
The doctor nodded, considering the information. "I see. We'll need to understand the nature of that encounter."
As the doctor pieced together the puzzle, a knowing nod passed between them, acknowledging the potential connection between Noah and Lilly's deteriorating condition.
Turning to Maria, the doctor asked, "Do you know more about Noah? Any details about his background or behaviour?"
Maria hesitated but ultimately confessed, "He's a fellow band member in our college band. We share some musical interests, but I don't know much beyond that."
The doctor theorized, "Lilly's limited interaction with others, combined with the distressing encounter with Noah, might have contributed to her current state."
Maria's voice was tinged with regret as she confessed, "I had no idea about any other traumatic incidents in Lilly's past. I introduced Noah to expand her social circle, but I never anticipated this."
The doctor nodded in understanding as they collectively decided to wait and observe, hoping to unravel the mystery behind Lilly's distress and provide the care she needed.
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