It has been five hours since they wheeled father into the emergency room. Two hours since Mrs. Tachibana assured me everything would be alright, told me to trust the doctors.
The small gift box containing his watch lies forgotten beside me on the cold steel chair. Tonight was supposed to be a celebration: Dad's birthday, the two of us finally being a family. I had saved for months taking extra shifts, odd jobs, anything I could to give him something truly from me. Now that moment feels like a cruel fantasy. Instead of laughter and cake, I'm sitting under the white lights of the hospital waiting area, wondering if he will even make it through the night…not after the attack.
The attack of the Shadow Stealers.
They are the bane of Vastria—the "City of Opportunities," where every promise comes with a hidden price. Everyone here has heard of Shadow Stealers. Few have survived them. They are fractured souls, twisted beyond repair by despair and hopelessness. They rip away your shadow, and with it, the most treasured part of yourself—your joy, your memories, your reason to keep living.
But where there's ruin, there's also hope. In Vastria, that hope often wears a black mask and answers to one name: Shadowman. He was the one who pulled father from the Stealers tonight. I wanted to thank him, tell him he saved the only family I have left but I arrived too late.
A pair of bright eyes suddenly gleams through the dark reflection in the window across from me.
Is that…?
I stand, rush over, and slam the window open. The chill of the night air cuts through the sterile warmth of the hospital, but the eyes are swallowed into the shadows as quickly as they appeared.
Did I imagine that?
A tap on my shoulder jerks me back to reality.
"Mikhael…"
I turn, "Mrs. Tachibana!" I ask, my voice thick with hope, "How's dad?"
Her lips press into a thin line, "I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"
"I…don't want you to sugarcoat anything."
She sighs. "Physically, he's fine. He's alive. But his mental space…it's torn apart. Precisely, his memories."
My pulse stumbles. "What are you saying?"
"It would be better if you see for yourself."
I nod, ready to push forward, but her hand grips my arm. "Mikhael, about the money…Operations under Shadow Stealer attack aren't cheap. I can only keep the head doctor off your back for so long. You'll need to come up with something."
"I—I'll think of something. But…can I see him?"
"There are still procedures before he's allowed visitors. Wait here. I'll handle the paperwork."
"Thank you, Mrs. Tachibana."
She pats my back before disappearing into the white hallway. I sink back into my seat, staring at the dim reflection in the glossy tiles. The clock on the wall ticks past midnight.
"Dad…please be alright…"
I rake a hand through my hair, my gut twisting with the feeling that something worse is coming.
Money. I need it fast. I could use dad's savings, but he'll need that to rebuild his company. And he would never forgive me for spending it on him.
Naomi's voice drifts into my mind. She had told me she could help if I joined something she was putting together. I didn't ask for details then. I trust her. She would never do anything to harm someone. The woman I love would never do that—never.
I pull my phone from my pocket, open our chat. Her last message from last night blinks up at me:
Naomi:
Love you, pretty boy.
I never replied, work had kept me until dawn. I type quickly.
Mikhael:
Hey, so…I thought about that mystery job you mentioned.
Can I be a part of it? Is the money worth it?
Her reply is instant.
Naomi:
Babe!
You messaged at the perfect time!
You're the first and only person I want by my side.
Yes, you'll be drowning in money by the end of each day.
Oh my god, I'm so excited!
We'll be Queen and King of this!
Mikhael:
I bet…
Naomi:
Is something wrong?
You don't sound like yourself.
Before I can type more, a nurse's voice cuts through the quiet. "Is there someone named Mikhael Lee here?"
"Yes, that's me!" I shoot to my feet.
"You can meet the patient now."
I glance at my phone, quickly typing:
Mikhael:
I'll call you later.
I don't wait for her reply. The phone slips into my back pocket as I follow the nurse. My steps slow at the emergency room door.
Please, God…let everything be alright.