Chapter 97

On the study room, perched in the same spot where Alex had nestled just yesterday, I still could felt his warmth envelop me, his thigh a comforting presence beneath my own. His arms encircled me in a protective embrace, a surreal sensation washing over me. And now he was not here.

How could such misfortune befall him, a man of such kindness? My tears were leaking uncontrollably.

Ten minutes ago, I gazed upon him, lying tranquil under the high-tech sleeping capsule, a marvel of modern technology designed to decelerate bodily functions. He appeared to be in a peaceful slumber, and in my heart, I clung to the belief that he was merely sleeping.

The pressing dilemma now lay in acquiring the antidote from Nadine before a month. And for that, I needed Linda. I was looking at the six big screen.

A tumultuous storm of emotions — anger, panic, fear — clamored for recognition within me. Yet, in that moment, I harnessed my anger, channeling it into a force of determination. I needed that strengt