Avery
The hospital smelled unfamiliar and alien, like chlorine at a pool. Even this supposed familiar territory seemed wrong. Everything was bright white and barren. The cots along the far wall were empty, and a central examination table made of stainless steel sat in the middle. Its appearance was foreboding and reminded me of an autopsy bench. In fact, a viewing window set off to the side, complete with chairs inside a viewing room, reinforced that appearance.
“Hello?” I called out. The place looked deserted.
A white-coated man strode out of a doorway next to the viewing window.
“Who are you?” his voice was nasal and officious.
“I’m Avery. I arrived with Erik. Erich Draco.”
He blinked at me a few times. I waited for a response, and when the silence stretched, I shuffled my feet. He
