Sydney, a breezy morning

The turquoise sky seemed to intimate the city about the spring's arrival. The shiny and clear sky appeared like a kid wearing new clothes welcoming the new dawn. Covered with dew, the grass looked fresh and beautiful. The wind sounded like a piece of pleasant music as it touched the streets of the city. The sand sparkled on the beach as if it has just taken a bath in the Pacific Ocean. The sun slowly came out, wishing a warm good morning.

Aqualuna Towers, Surry Hills, 7:00 AM

Beep Beep... Beep... Beep Beep... Beep...

My alarm clock fell on the ground as I stretched my hand to turn it off. It started shouting louder after hitting the ground. I woke up and rubbed my eyes to look for the clock. It is 7 AM already. I knew it is time to wake up!

My eyes then turned towards the calendar that was hung on my wall. August 28, Friday, it is. The day that I never wanted to see. The day before which I hoped the world would end on.

Your scheduled visit is at 9:00 AM. The estimated travel time is 17 minutes if you start around 8:30 AM, Google Assistant notified.

Thanks, Google, I pushed my blanket aside and dragged myself to the washroom.

I remember spending several minutes in the shower when I was a kid because I loved playing with water. I am doing the same today. The only difference is the reason – That is the only way I feel I can hide my tears.

You have a call from Sweetie. You have a call from Sweetie. You have a call from ...

I answered the call, "Hey, Sweetie!"

"Hi, baby! It is 8:30 already. You have started. Right?"

"Yeah... Yeah, baby!" I lied as I pulled one of my shirts from the wardrobe, "Just got out of the lift. Going to the parking lot."

Tring Tring, the doorbell rang.

"You are hopeless!" she shouted from the other side, "I am leaving in 5. Let us meet at the location."

"Hmm...," I cut the call as I opened the door.

"A courier for you, sir."

I signed the form and collected the parcel, "Thank you."

The time is 8:30 AM. The time is 8:30 AM.

I am running late. I need to leave the building in the next five minutes to reach on time. I kept the package on my sofa as I quickly locked the door and rushed to the parking lot.

I fastened my seatbelt as I turned the navigation on. Your estimated time of arrival is 8:59 AM. Hyde Park, the Art gallery, the Royal botanic garden, the Opera house, and the harbour bridge, all greeted me on my way to Cremorne Point. This is not the first time I am driving on this route. The only difference is that their image is now blurred, maybe because of my lachrymal glands that have been active since morning.

Turn right onto Cremorne road. Stay on the same route for another 240 metres.

The destination is on your right.

I applied the brake and looked out of the window. A tall building stood in front of me - Clark Hospital.

"Get down," there is a knock on my door.

Sophie, it is. "Quick. We need to rush. You brought the file, right?"

"Yeah," I got down carrying a yellow file in my hand.

Clark Hospital, Cremorne Point, 9:00 AM

"You are here for Dr Thompson?" inquired the receptionist.

"Yeah. 12th floor, right?" Sophie wanted to confirm.

"No. Dr Thompson moved to the 13th floor. His cabin is just two room away from your patient's room."

"Oh. Thank you."

"Which floor?" asked the lift operator.

"Thirteen," replied Sophie.

As the lift started going up, my heart started beating faster. I looked at the file. CHARLIE, it read.

Today might be the last day I can see or talk to Charlie. Somehow, I refuse to accept it. I never expected this day to come. I wish the world would end before I reach the thirteenth floor.

Thirteenth floor. The doors are opening.

"Are you okay?" Sophie tapped on my shoulder.

No... No... No... that was what I want to say. "Yeah," I replied.

"I will meet Dr Thompson. You wait in the room."

"Okay."

My heart pounded as I walked towards the room. Despite my slower steps, I reached the destination very soon. As I was about to open the door, I looked at the room number, just to confirm I am at the right place.

Room 13M

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