Chapter 4The Other Her

The scenery in the Maldives was breathtaking.

Every day, I sent her photos – the beach, the sunset, palm trees. She replied instantly to each one, her tone as gentle as ever.

During our video call that evening, she was lounging on the sofa, bathed in warm, yellow light.

“Where did you go today?”

“Went diving,” I said, sprawling on the bed. “When are you coming? It’s no fun alone.”

“Soon, soon,” she chuckled. “Didn’t you always want to see the Maldives? You said we had to come here for our honeymoon, I remember that.”

I paused. I’d said that casually in college; I’d almost forgotten.

“You still remember?”

“I told you, how could I forget anything about you?” Her eyes sparkled.

My nose stung with emotion.

She stood up to get water, and the phone camera jostled.

In that split second, I saw a blurry shadow standing in the hallway behind her.

The ghost had reappeared.

It was staring intently at Lyra, its expression hostile.

A cold dread seeped into my bones.

“Antonio? What’s wrong?” She returned with her glass of water.

“Bad signal,” I forced a smile. “I’m a bit tired today, I’ll hang up.”

After ending the call, I tremblingly opened a flight booking app.

The next available flight was in three hours.

Before boarding, I dialed her number. No answer.

My heart plummeted. She never missed my calls!

When I landed, it was past midnight. I rushed home. The lights were off. She wasn’t there, and neither was the ghost.

I checked her phone’s location, only to find she was at a hospital.

I ran out like a madman.

The hospital corridor stretched long, the white lights glaring.

I found the ward; the door was ajar.

She wasn't inside.

But the ghost was standing by the bedside, looking down at the person on the bed.

I drew closer.

Lying on the bed was someone with a pale face, eyes closed, tubes everywhere.

It was Lyra.

I trembled, covering my mouth, barely stifling a cry.

Just then, footsteps and voices echoed from the end of the corridor.

“Dr. Lee, how’s the patient?”

It was Lyra’s voice.

“Still the same.”

Closer and closer. My body felt nailed to the spot, unable to move.

I could only stiffly turn my head.

And there, coming into view, was a face identical to hers.