Comatose

Constant beeping and distant chatter in the hallways made Yuzuko feel out of place. Every time she turned her face, she saw soldiers in slings and bandages. Many of the faces, Yuzuko had recognised from the party or the boardroom. She had never heard them speak before.

When she walked past them in their beds and chairs, they smiled at her and waved as if she was some kind of hero.

"Konbanwa, Yuzuko-chan!"

"Salaam!"

"Bonsoir!"

"Hello!"

Sia tapped Yuzuko on the shoulder and squeezed her under her bosom. "See that's how loved you are around here!" Her warm tone changed the moment she laid eyes on one of the young doctors dressed in blue. "The priest still in that room?"

"Yes! There have been no changes to his state."

"Has his family been contacted?"

"We've tried, but the UK government has blocked our calls."

Sia shrugged her shoulders. "Nevermind. We'll just tell the world he's missing and presumed dead."