Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary! Chapter 615: Hospital [3]

Zoey was definitely acting off somehow.

Hard to pinpoint exactly, but she unsettled me somehow. Her behavior and speech came across normal, yet her quirks disturbed me greatly. Even so, I brushed it aside without much thought.

Rowan showed up shortly after, and the three of us went our separate ways.

I'd figured Zoey came solely to chat with me, yet she clearly had other motives too. Leaving them behind, I snuck several more glances at Rowan before striking out alone.

Truthfully, Zoey's words shocked me.

I'd no idea Kyle covered Rowan's sister's medical bills, but on second thought, it added up.

Kyle had always possessed a tender heart.

On the other hand...

Not out of character. Technically, I held his reins.

Perhaps...

'Hang on, wasn't there another person dealing with family sibling troubles? Geneva...? Yes, I promised to aid her. Hmmm. I'll investigate when I get a chance later.'

Mr. Jingles' issue lingered too.

Reflecting on it, countless events linked back to this hospital.

"We’re here."

A voice jolted me from my musings.

The nurse ahead passed me a form while grasping the doorknob.

"The patient’s condition still isn’t great. If possible, I’d like you to avoid agitating her emotions too much. That could be problematic."

"...I understand."

I flashed a smile at the nurse.

"You don’t have to worry too much about that."

"In that case, I feel more relieved."

She mirrored the smile. Yet just prior to opening the door, she halted, turning back toward me. After brief uncertainty, she produced a tiny notepad and extended it.

"Actually, I’m a big fan... can I have your autograph?"

"....."

I stood there speechless for a beat.

All the same, I agreed and autographed it. Her visage glowed as she stowed it safely, swung the door wide, murmuring "Thank you! Thank you!" repeatedly.

In truth, I'd anticipated something like this.

Hospital staff had been casting peculiar looks my way. From the instant I'd disclosed my identity at reception, gossip had rippled through the nurses and physicians.

Clank—

Fresh air surged over me immediately, far-off curtains swaying lightly in the draft. Sunbeams flooded the chamber, spreading a cozy radiance that unveiled a pristine, tranquil setting with a sizable bed positioned aside.

A recognizable form occupied the bed, her outline framed by the glow as she leisurely swiveled her head toward me. Faintly, the cardiogram's persistent beeps pulsed in the backdrop.

Beep! Beeep—!

As I slipped off my glasses, bewilderment lifted from her expression, giving way to a gentle smile.

"...Seth."

"Matriarch."

I grinned in response, entering the room while the nurse sealed the door behind us for privacy.

The Matriarch laid aside her book, reaching out with both arms.

"How long has it been? I’ve been meaning to ask you to come visit for quite some time. I thought that you had forgotten about me."

"...I was quite busy."

"I saw."

Her gaze brightened momentarily.

"You’ve made quite a name for yourself lately. It’s all I’ve been hearing about. I’m honestly glad you’ve been doing so well. I’m sure the other children are happy about it, too."

"Ah, the other children... How are they doing?"

"Well, they are doing the best they can."

The Matriarch's grin dimmed a touch, sorrow flickering in as she exhaled softly.

"They’ve been recovering a bit, but they did go through a lot. I heard that it’ll take some time for them to improve. However, it does seem like there are some improvements, which is always great. Are you also planning on visiting them?"

"I am. Probably after this."

Mr. Jingles inside felt increasingly agitated.

"That’s great."

Joy returned to the Matriarch's features as I surveyed the area and selected a suitable chair.

The moment I settled in, the Matriarch inquired, "How is Kyle? I haven’t heard from him for quite some time. Is he doing well? Is he here?"

"Kyle?"

I halted briefly.

Considering the nurse's earlier warning, I deduced they hadn't updated her on his demise.

Placing a hand on my chest, I answered breezily.

"Actually, he’s dead."

The Matriarch's countenance altered sharply.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

The cardiogram accelerated its rhythm.

"Wait, what... Are you...?"

"Nope."

I shook my head.

"He’s dead. Died back in the World Congress. I’m surprised that you didn’t hear about it."

I tilted my head.

"H-ha, that can’t be... H-how could..."

Beeps turned frantic as her lips fluttered open and shut nonstop, utterances mangled each try. Witnessing her distress, I stood, drew near, and clasped her hand.

"Matriarch."

I maintained a soothing tone.

"This is something that happens often in our line of work. I can understand why you’re distressed, but you should be well aware of this."

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

"...He didn’t suffer. It was quick."

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

"S-stop. S—"

"Stop, what?"

I cocked my head, inching my face closer. Somehow a grin formed—I couldn't recall when. Indeed... grinning. The whole scene struck me as ridiculously funny.

Particularly because...

"Are you sad that one of your potential vessels is gone? But I don’t think you were that sad when something happened to me. I heard you were texting Kyle a lot. Just like how I never contacted you... You never contacted me. Why is that?"

I squeezed her hand harder, twisting her features. Then, preempting any move, I shot forward and clamped her throat.

"Huek!"

A raspy gag erupted from her, complexion blooming scarlet.

Her arms scrabbled wildly to repel me, yet our strength disparity proved insurmountable. I shoved her head downward, clenching her neck firmer.

Her limbs thrashed on until seizing my forearm, digits burrowing deep in a bid to wrench free.

"Ukhe...! Khe!"

Gasps and gurgles kept bursting forth as she battled to utter speech.

"Hm? You’re trying to say something?"

I pressed in to discern her words, all while constricting further.

"Ukh!!"

Her face turned fully crimson.

No, purple.

Her fight ebbed away.

My hold stayed unyielding.

Observing her writhe, zero emotion touched me.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep! Beep!

Not even with the ceaseless, frenzied beeps did any feeling arise.

Still, I ceased soon enough.

"Ueeeeeek!"

Releasing her windpipe, I nonchalantly brushed my palms and dropped back into the chair.

Simultaneously, the Matriarch wheezed and coughed, sucking in air frantically.

I observed mutely until she regained composure.

And she did.

Swiftly so—her wrinkled visage steadied, stare pinning me. Strangely, her cheeks sagged more, tresses silvered further.

Had I throttled her essence away?

"S—"

"Sorry about that."

Scratching my nape, I offered the Matriarch my apologies.

"...I didn’t mean to go that far. Honestly, I was about to kill you before I realized it."

Laughter exploded from me suddenly.

"That would’ve been quite bad."

After all, numerous questions awaited her answers.