Bargaining

The hazy realm of unconsciousness slowly receded, allowing distant voices to infiltrate Richard's senses. Faint whispers danced in the periphery of his awareness until a singular command jolted him into full consciousness.

"Find who sent him here."

His eyes snapped open, greeted by an unfamiliar environment. Rows of slabs adorned with various medicines surrounded him, and an ominous collection of medical tools lay on a table in front of the chair he found himself bound to. Panic gripped him as the realization dawned – he had been ensnared by the doctor.

He clenched his jaw, biting his lower lip in frustration and rage. How had he allowed himself to be captured? The room felt like a trap, and Richard's mind raced with questions. The doctor, perceptive to the tumultuous emotions etched on Richard's face, couldn't resist a taunt.

"You're probably wondering how I managed to capture you," the doctor's voice oozed with a sinister calmness. "I saw you the day Miss Flora visited. The CCTV at