In my shock, I awaken in an unfamiliar room. I quickly notice that everything on me seems intact. Looking around, I see organic specimens in test tubes, strange chemicals in syringes, and the potent scent of antiseptic in the air. Just as I’m about to sit up, I realize I'm strapped down—completely immobilized.

  Damn it, I think. I've been captured. Never thought I'd end up on the receiving end of an interrogation—by some lunatic operator, no doubt.

  Just as I’m nearly resigned to my fate, the door creaks open. A man enters, looking like a professional doctor—albeit one with a slightly eccentric flair. He beams at me like I’m his next snack.

  “Welcome back to the world of the living, deadman. It was such a hassle dragging you here.”

  Confused, I ask, “I was dead?”

  He answers cheerfully, “Indeed you were, young lad. I just happened to find you all bloodied up while I was... cough cough... gathering materials.”

  Gathering materials… in a graveyard. (Yep, he's definitely one of those doctors...)

  “Well, either way, thank you for saving me, Doctor. Now, how about letting me out of these straps?”

  The doctor smiles but doesn’t move an inch. “No can do, my boy. My treatment isn't free. Here at Doctor’s Paradise, we can cure anything—even mortality—but we’re not a charity. Private healthcare, you see.”

  “So… what’s the payment?” I ask, already dreading the answer.

  “I’ll just take your hands. Some of our clients are in need of a spare. Look on the bright side: you get to live another day! What’s a limb or two in the grand scheme of things?”

  Panicking, I shout, “You’re half-killing me with that!”

  “Oh, and before you ask why I didn’t do it while you were asleep—doctor’s courtesy. I’d hate to choose the wrong hand. Best to let the patient decide.”

  This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

  Sweating bullets, breathing ragged, I see him begin to pull a buzzsaw from a medical bag in the corner. He’s practically humming.

  “Decided yet?” he asks casually.

  Suddenly, I remember. “I HAVE THE BLACK CARD! For payment—it’s in my pocket!!”

  The doctor freezes mid-motion. With visible disappointment, he puts the buzzsaw away. “Give it here...” he mutters, clearly let down.

  He reaches into my front pocket and finds the card. Under his breath, I hear him grumble, “I really hoped you were bluffing… lucky you…”

  He walks to the back room. A few moments later, I hear a gut-churning scream—something otherworldly—followed by a loud, wet splat.

  He returns. “It’s been verified. You’re free to go. And just so you remember: Doctor’s Paradise is a respected establishment that helps all who find themselves in need of medical treatment. Just remember—debts are always paid.”

  Then he lightly taps me on the forehead with a small medical hammer—and everything goes black.

  I awaken in my apartment as if it had all been a fever dream… but the bruise on my head says otherwise.

  Some time passes....

  Let’s just go back to Lex’s apartment—I feel like I need him for emotional support. Muttering to myself, I pack my things and head over under the excuse of a surprise slumber party.

  While nearing his place, a woman suddenly appears at the corner of his street. It's Sophia again... she's stalking Lex. I sigh—inevitable. Let’s just talk to her.

  Sophia greets me in a refined and sultry tone, “My my, what a coincidence. Just the man I was looking for.”

  Confused, I ask, “You sure that’s all there is to it? We are right by my partner’s place, after all.”

  She notices the implication—her smile cracks just a little before she replies, “Surely you jest. I've got something just for you.”

  She hands me a letter of introduction for manual labor work at the parish.

  “You're giving me this? For free? And how the hell do you even know I need this?”

  With a coy tone, she responds, “Of course not, my dear. I never said it was free. And gossip? Well... that's what I live off.”

  Her voice drops into something darker.

  “Just keep it a secret that I was here. Somehow, I trust you’re the discreet type.”

  I smile knowingly, accepting this shady favor as a blessing in disguise, and prepare to say a courteous goodbye.

  But just as I turn to leave, she grabs my arm.

  “You know... since you know... can you get me a strand of hair? There's payment if you succeed. I’ll be by the church—just in case.”

  I’m stumped. Creepy... but she’s giving me things. Mom always said: don’t bite the hand that feeds you. And Lexy probably won’t mind... I hope.

  Finally, I make it to Lex’s place and knock a few times before joining him inside.