Mikhail
An arc of comfortable armchairs remains empty in the doctor's living room while I pace the narrow hallway. Anton and Pavel watch me walk as they lean against the wall, their posture compacted to avoid accidentally brushing against me. There's an open frown on Pavel's face as he waits for me to finally lose it and explode. Anton doesn't make direct eye contact, though he warily watches my every move from the corner of his eyes.
They have nothing to worry about. I caused this. I'm the reason why Maria was shot.
The door to the private surgery opens, and the grim expression on Dr. Belova's face confronts me. Behind him, his wife hurries to the open door before I can rush into the room. Maria's soft whimper places me on the edge of sanity and my body vibrates with anxiety.
But in a
