The gift of life
3 weeks later
The gap was maybe two inches, but that didn't stop Will. The passengers inside the lift were initially frightened by the suddenly appearing hand. The elevator doors swung back and Will entered the cabin with an apologetic smile. He pressed one of the number keys and waited for the door to close again. When the lift started, Will glanced backwards. Besides him, a pregnant woman, an old man and a young man wanted to go upstairs. While the woman and the old man looked at Will, the third in the group did not seem to be interested in him. He looked annoyed at the number display. Apparently he was in a hurry. Will could understand him only too well, because he too had spontaneously taken time off to check something. The man, who was perhaps in his mid-twenties, got off two floors later. Somehow it made Will feel strange and insecure. Although he could not find an explanation for this, he did not want to think about it any further. It wasn't until the man stepped off the elevator that Will realized he was wearing a tag. He couldn't identify him exactly, but he still looked familiar. It was too late. The doors closed again and the elevator went on. While the woman was getting out of the car next, the old man accompanied Will up to the sixteenth floor. There was a hustle and bustle when the two of them left the elevator. Will wanted to go to a certain 'Dr. Berk ', however, did not imagine the search to be easy. He discovered an information desk, which, to his regret, was unoccupied. So he tried to get information elsewhere. His luck failed with the first two sisters. Everyone was too busy and referred him back to information. He then succeeded in a third and learned that Dr. Berk was on a visit. It pointed in the direction of a hallway and Will had no choice but to peek into each room. When he was halfway through, the doctor finally came out of one of the last rooms. "Dr. Berk?" Will called to draw attention to himself. The doctor turned in surprise. "Yes, what can I do for you?" He asked quickly. Will took big steps to be with him quickly. "Sorry for bothering you at work, but we spoke on the phone yesterday," he reminded. The
Doctor seemed to think twice before Will helped him. "It's about the coma patient.", He helped him on the jumps. Dr. Berk nodded knowingly. "Right, we spoke on the phone. Forgive me for asking, but didn't you say you were with the police?" He asked. Probably because of Will's age. He quickly hurried to put the situation right. "Basically, I'm still in training, but it's really very important that you tell me everything about him.“The doctor thought for a moment and gave the nurse who was accompanying him a hand signal.“ He is in a different wing, but I will take my time. ", he said and asked Will to follow him. After a few meters they both stood in front of the room they were looking for. Dr. Berk entered it immediately, while Will hesitated." Do you know him personally? "asked the doctor. Will wasn't sure." Who is he? "He finally asked. Dr. Berk had to admit that he didn't know the name by heart either and went to the hospital bed. He examined a list, while Will now ventured inside and examined the patient. He really didn't seem to be well." His torso was covered with bandages and a tube made it easier for him to breathe, and another was used for feeding. "The boy's name is Bryan Shaw. He was admitted three weeks ago. His injuries have two origins. First, the stab wound that was inflicted on him. She injured her back but did not damage any organs. The other is a concussion. You have probably read the corresponding newspaper article. ", replied the doctor. Will nodded briefly." I did. Allegedly, he should have been in a kind of mine tunnel shortly before. What was he doing there? ", Will not quite understand. The doctor chuckled a little." Finding out is probably more your business. Or rather that of your colleagues. "He didn't seem to take Will very seriously." Of course, it is. Has his condition improved so far? Or has it even gotten worse? ", Will now became more matter-of-fact. Berk studied the medical record again." Neither. His recovery appears to be very slow. His stab wound is still visible, but mostly healed. His brain has suffered something, but it should already be showing progress. I speculate that it is up to the patient himself. He doesn't seem to have enough will to live. That may sound presumptuous, but I often treat people like that. But ... excuse me for voicing this suspicion ... the young man is not who you are looking for, is he? "With that the doctor surprised Will more and more. He shook his head and continued to look at Bryan." I don't know what happened to the poor guy, but I think there was someone with him I know well. "he replied. Dr. Berk seemed to understand." Unfortunately, it was just him and a girl
delivered. If there are actually more people in this tunnel

stopped, they were buried in it. "he said as carefully as possible. Will pressed his lips together. He didn't seem to want to hear that answer." I admit that there is a private reason why I am investigating this case. My friend, this Bryan and this girl have something to do with each other. According to the authorities, there was an earthquake three weeks ago which caused the tunnel to collapse, but ... "" But there is no record of this.", the doctor cut him off. Will nodded considerably." When I think of the stab wound, it seems plausible to me that someone intentionally caused the collapse. Apparently they wanted to get rid of the boy, the girl and their acquaintances. But I'm a doctor and not a policeman. Is there anything else I can do for you? "he asked, already guessing the answer." I want to speak to the girl. How is she doing? ", Will asked like a shot. Berk sighed." Her injuries were only superficial. However, she seems to have taken a shock. Her colleagues came here a short time after she was admitted to interview her. Without a result. To this day she has not said a word. I don't think she'll see you. "He didn't give Will much hope. Will waved him off." Just tell me your room number, please. "He pleaded. Dr. Berk nodded understandingly and told him. Will thanked him for his time and for his information. The girl's name was Emma, ​​and she was housed on one of the upper floors. Will climbed the elevator again and entered." the new floor. The numbers of the rooms were clearly arranged and so Will found the right one after a short time. Although the door was open he knocked. When no one answered he quietly entered the room and looked around. Only one of the beds was occupied . Inside was a pretty, brunette girl, about as old as Will himself. Her eyes were open, but she didn't even look at Will. He systematically felt her with his eyes. She actually didn't seem to be seriously hurt. "Hello ... mine Name is Will Shepard. "He introduced himself politely. Emma didn't react. Will remembered the shock and sat down on a chair by the bed." I'm a cop. "he began." However, I am more interested in what happened than my colleagues. I think someone I know was in this tunnel too. You ... you have to tell me what happened that day. "Emma was silent. Will sighed and went on talking." I only read it in the newspaper. This old tunnel collapsed for some reason. You should have saved this Bryan and got out with him in time. Bryan Shaw is in a coma and it is questionable whether he will ever wake up again. "Emma's reaction was still zero. But Will did not let himself be dissuaded from his plan.
"The rescue workers have banned their way in. They ...

found a body and identified it as a certain Jason Walsh. Was he your friend "Now Will noticed a violent twitch in Emma's face. He was making progress, and therefore continued to speak undeterred." If that is the case, I am sincerely sorry for his death. The authorities suspect more deaths, but could not advance any further. My friend's name is Connor. I made inquiries, he goes to the same university as you.Was he with you that day? "Will now asked his most important question. Emma's lips didn't move a bit. Will made another attempt until he got up with a growl. He turned and was about to leave the room when Emma began to speak." He ... is probably too dead. ", she said in a firm voice. Will looked at herself and walked over to her." No! "he said sternly. He tried to calm himself down and sat down again." He ... he's strong. He would surely have survived something like that. He has ... how should I put it ... "" An amulet. "Emma helped him. She still showed no reaction. Only her lips moved. Will wanted to know what knowledge Emma actually had." What happened that day? Please tell me "he demanded. It took Emma some time before she could begin, and Will accepted that." I'm responsible for that. It is my fault that everyone is dead now. "she said weakly. She began to cry and Will was able to slap himself. Still, he insisted that she tell others. ", he wanted to know. Emma paused." J… Jas… Connor…. and ... Kevin. "When she said the last name, her pain was even physically visible. Her eyes narrowed and thick tears ran down her cheek. Will listened to his stomach and grabbed Emma's hand. That actually seemed to help a bit. Weeping, she said continue. Kevin's sister ... she made me come with her. If it hadn't been for me, everyone would be alive. ", she sobbed. But Will didn't seem to want to hear that. "Connor is not dead. If you know what an amulet is, then ...", he tried to explain. Emma seemed to see it differently. "That didn't do him any good either. It's at most to blame for his death. Without these stupid stones everything would be better." Will considered his next steps. "This Bryan had a stab wound. Who attacked you?" He asked firmly. Emma swallowed before she pronounced the name. "Baal," she replied. She seemed to spit out that name. The name was new to Will, but it seemed bad to Emma. "Who is this Baal?" Will