Chapter 42: Burn

Lia walked into the Miles Hospital building. Right away, she noted a different smell profile. Antiseptic, a little bitter, with undertones of the artificial fragrance contained in soaps and cleaners.

Lia hated the smells and the feelings the hospital environment could invoke in a person. Whether you were a patient or just visiting.

The hospital is a place people run to in cases of emergencies. It provided hope and dread interwoven together.

A nurse gave her directions to Kelly’s room, and Lia made her way towards it, her sneakers squeaking noisily on the shiny corridor floors.

A policeman in uniform was standing guard at the door. She prayed they would allow her to enter.

“I am sorry, you cannot enter,” the officer said. Lia swore inwardly.

“What is your name?” the officer asked.

“Liandra Nash,” she replied hoping the name dropping might work in her favour.

“Oh, Mrs. Nash. You may enter. You have ten minutes,” the officer announced.