His body and his heart felt heavy. They’d called an end to things to prevent this. Bile rose in the back of his throat as he tried to mentally prepare himself for what she’d look like. Hovering in front of the elevator doors on her floor his feet were glued to the floor as fear paralyzed him. An image of an emaciated zombie-like waif creature flashed in his head. Can I pretend to be unaffected by that? Should I? No. This ain’t the time to play nice or sugar-coat. I need to go in there kick her boney ass, and get to the bottom of what made her shut down. Why do this now? Ready for war he started toward her room, steps sure, and his face set in stern expression. I didn’t let her go just to watch her wither away. He rounded the corner, purpose in every step he took. When he reached room 489 he knocked. “Come in.” The familiar voice of the man would’ve been his-father-in-law called out. The hushed tone radiated worry. He turned the knob, pushed the door open a sliver, and poked his head in.
