Chapter 29 - Doctor’s Visit

In order to request permission to visit Tiffany's, I waited for Damon to conclude his meeting. I could not even begin to imagine the magnitude of the calamity that could occur in such a short amount of time. Was I so naive as to believe that Damon was not being informed of my every move? Was I so naive as to believe that Damon would not receive summaries of all the items I purchased?

I once more contemplated how I would account for my actions to Damon when he inquired about the birth control I had purchased. How can I explain this to him without being thrown into the cell for the rest of my life, or even the possibility of being killed or sent to Akbur Hills?

Acting as though the pharmacist had made an error, I could transfer the tablets to an alternative container. That was my most promising proposition. I hurried to retrieve the pills from the mountain of clothing in which I had concealed them. Then, I dashed to the restroom, where I had stored the empty plastic bottle of Advil. However, it was not there.
Fuck it! It appears that Tessa might have disposed of it when she cleaned my room.

I had to get another bottle. I hastily hid the birth control tablets again; this time, I stuffed them into a sock and inside one of my sneakers. I sat on the bed and encouraged myself to take a deep breath. The paper containing the poison recipe was gone, and I was once again reminded of my foolishness. Naturally, Tiffany had been capable of putting two together so quickly. I was uncertain as to whether she would tell Luke about it at some point.
The plan was gradually crumbling beneath me.

I determined that I could not continue to sit still any further. My intention was to interrupt Damon's meeting immediately and request permission. After flinging the door wide open, I was confronted by two people. The first was Maria and a handsome middle-aged male who wore a white lab coat and carried a leather brown briefcase was the second person.

"Who's this?" Immediately, I asked.

"His name is Dr. Phillips. He is a human doctor who has been sent from Akbur Hills,” Maria stated.

"There's nothing wrong with me-"

"Bullet was asked by Damon to pick him up. He requested to check up on you.

This time, it was the doctor who asked, "Your arm.... May I see it?"

He examined my wound while I sat on the bed after allowing him to enter. With an inquisitive yet uncertain expression, Maria was examining me. Without a doubt, we were both contemplating the same thing.
Why had Damon bothered to consult with a doctor regarding a cut that was so minor?
In the end, the physician had completed the process of cleansing the wound and applying a bandage. While he pursued his tasks, I entertained numerous questions. If he resided in Akbur Hills, does this imply that he was acquainted with my father?

"The werewolves require some people in Akbur Hills for jobs such as this," Maria stated as if she had been reading my mind. "They occupy separate apartments from the general population, which are significantly more luxurious.

"But they are still...prisoners of Akbur Hills?" I had no intention of whispering.

The doctor offered a grin. There was a smile that was both sad and amusing: "We are all prisoners."

"Dr. Phillips has been administering treatment to your father since his illness."

I arose and inquired, "Is he feeling well?"

"He is making satisfactory progress." A significant number of individuals succumbed to the influenza virus. He's a strong man.

"Does he have anyone who takes care of him, I mean besides yourself-"

The expression on his face was a combination of sorrow and distress as he stated, "He had Evan, but Evan currently works here." I experienced an epiphany of remorse.

The tears from my eyes were dispelled by blinking. However, I was aware that I could not request that he convey a message. I should not inform my father of my existence at this time, as Evan had requested.

"Since the wound was not severe, stitches are unnecessary. For a few days, refrain from touching it. After the wound has healed, the bandages may then be removed."

I swallowed the lump in my throat and I nodded.
Maria stayed for an additional minute after the doctor had departed.
"Why didn't you tell me you hurt yourself?"

"I didn't think it was such a big deal, I-I guess I didn't really care-"

"I must be informed of all future developments. This is the only way by which any of this will function.
She appeared tense. I had never before observed her in a state of fury. Consequently, I simply nodded in agreement, as I was unable to comprehend the significance of the situation.

"Did you get everything?"

"Almost. Evan has the Wolfsbane and the mushrooms. But we are still in the process of determining the best source for the one gram of silver that we require.

"And, the alcohol is no big deal; we will take it from Damon's supply. I shall ask about the silver; but, refrain from discussing this with any persons. It is strictly prohibited here; if anyone discovers that we are in search of silver, we will all be executed.