《Haniel》 Prologue ¡°(Where Am I?)¡± Upon opening her eyes, a strange sensation enveloped the girl, leaving her disoriented by the sight before her. Though her senses weren¡¯t at their best, she was certain the fiery red sky was far from normal. Without any recollection of how she arrived at this place, she let her gaze wander through the clouds of the infernal sky, attempting to clear her thoughts. Before achieving clarity, she noticed an unusual occurrence: the clouds seemed to move irragularly, but upon closer inspection, she realized it wasn¡¯t the clouds but herself moving. The girl, previously unaware of the force dragging her, felt pain in one of her arms and turned her gaze in that direction. ¡°(Who is she?)¡± From her vantage point, she could see a tall woman with long black hair, adorned in an enchanting dress of dark blue with subtle purplish tint. Startled, she tried to communicate with the mysterious figure, but something peculiar happened. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°(Who are you)¡± Despite moving her lips, no sound escaped the girl. She repeated the attempt several times, but the result persisted: her voice seemed to have vanished. Unfazed by this effort, the woman simply continued walking and pulling her. As the girl observed the woman¡¯s back, the strange sensation intensified. There was something about her that wasn¡¯t normal, but the girl couldn¡¯t pinpoint what it was. It seemed her situation would continue this way, but suddenly, the mysterious figure turned her gaze and bestowed an eloquent smile upon her. The woman¡¯s delicate words eluded the girl, which seemed strange given her perfect hearing, capturing even the slightest sound around her. Concluding the brief conversation, the woman redirected her gaze forward and continued pulling her until abruptly, the girl plunged into darkness, losing her vision entirely. ¡°(Wait! What¡¯s happening?)¡± Unable to comprehend the situation, she tried to speak to the woman again, to no avail. She felt a tug on her arm and then the sensation of wind collided with her body. Amidst the confusion and looming darkness, clarity returned to her eyes. ¡°...!¡± The first thing her eyes captured was the figure of the woman with long black hair, staring at her with crossed arms. Recognizing the growing distance between them, the girl horrifyingly realized she had been thrown off the edge of the cliff. This traumatic scene unfolded in slow motion for her as she desperately reached her arm toward the woman. However, there was nothing she could do to save herself. In an instant, an overwhelming darkness consumed her surroundings, and her consciousness faded away. Hospital It was a peaceful spring morning. The sky was clear, the birds chirped harmoniously, and a gentle breeze blew tranquilly through the air. The breeze wafted through the trees, caressing a backyard garden and flowed through the open window of a young girl who laid in a deep slumber. As the refreshing touch of spring kissed her face through the breeze, the girl leisurely woke up. Yet, as she did so, something was different. - ¡°What is this..?¡± she muttered to herself. Her eyes were shrouded in bandages. Head to toe, arm to leg, neck to shoulder, all covered in the same bandages. The only parts of the young girl¡¯s body that weren¡¯t wrapped were her hands and parts of her face. She was baffled. - ¡°How did I get here..? What happened..?¡± The girl asked in desperation, unable to comprehend the situation before her. She embraced herself and tried to piece together the puzzle of how she got into this position, but was met with a splitting headache. - ¡°Ugh..¡± The girl grasped her head with both of her hands, trying to limit the intense pain that rushed onto her. Just as the pain began to fade, unbeknownst to her, a man had entered the room. - ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you¡¯re finally awake, Haniel¡± Said the man, wearing a medical apron. The girl faced the voice anxiously, still unable to see. - ¡°You don¡¯t look good at all, did something happen?¡± He said with a hint of concern in his voice. The young girl faced the man. - ¡°Who is Haniel?¡± The man took a step back, shocked at the response he had gotten. He squinted his eyes and scratched his chin, pondering something in his mind. - ¡°Memory loss..?¡± He whispered to himself. While he speculated on the subject, there was clear uncertainty in his voice. He refaced the young girl, who continued to stare into space in her confusion. - ¡°Allow me to introduce myself in that case, I¡¯m your personal doctor. You can call me Israfel¡± - ¡°Your name is Haniel. Just a few weeks ago, you were admitted to the hospital after an accident. Do you remember?¡± Said the man. The young girl shivered. Bandages, memory loss, an accident? It was overwhelming. She couldn¡¯t process what Israfel had told her, and he stared at her with a silent glare, allowing her to process the situation. - ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I-... I don¡¯t remember..¡± Said Haniel dejectedly. Israfel smiled at the young girl, patting her on the head to comfort her. He pulled up a chair and took a seat in front of her, positioning his voice at a more direct length for the sightless Haniel. - ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here to help with your recovery. We¡¯ll do everything we can, so you can trust that you¡¯re in good hands.¡± While it didn¡¯t solve the predicament Haniel had found herself in, Israfel¡¯s words surely gave light in what was the unknown, and it calmed the young girl down. With the warm words said, the doctor began a routine check-up on the girl. Most of the checks were both physical and neurological, assessing her motor and sensory skills. - ¡°Physically, you¡¯re recovering at an astonishing rate¡± - ¡°Typically, it would take three months to see results like yours, but in your case it¡¯s only been three weeks.¡± Pausing between his words, the doctor scratched his chin. - ¡°However, the brain scan didn¡¯t reveal anything negative. We¡¯ll continue tests and monitor your progress regarding your memory, but I¡¯m confident that sooner or later we¡¯ll be able to bring you good news.¡± The doctor smiled, speaking to Haniel in a reassuring manner. - ¡°How does that sound?¡± asked the doctor. Haniel nodded in agreement without much hesitation. Her options were limited given both her position and her condition, so she wasn¡¯t seeking to disobey Israfel. - ¡°Your condition doesn¡¯t prevent you from going on walks, but I¡¯m sure as you noticed, you are blind. We can¡¯t leave you alone, at least not for now¡± The doctor stopped himself before continuing, noticing Haniel¡¯s curiosity. - ¡°My blindness.. Is it permanent?¡± Said the girl with a hint of concern in her voice. Israfel¡¯s expression grew stern. He knew he needed to pick his words carefully in this situation, and took a short breath. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. - ¡°Unfortunately, we¡¯re stilling analyzing that. Both the optic nerve and retina are intact, but for reasons we don¡¯t quite understand, your eyes have lost their vision¡± - ¡°In other words, we don¡¯t know.¡± Haniel continued gazing into the void of Israfel¡¯s voice, lowering her head and stared into her lap sorrowfully. As a doctor, those conversations are never pleasant, Israfel knew that well. He consoled the young girl with more positive words. - ¡°I know this doesn¡¯t sound good, but I promise, we¡¯ll do everything we can do to find an answer.¡± Said the doctor before patting the young girl on the head once more. He walked towards the door, opening it and called for someone waiting. - ¡°There¡¯s someone I want you to meet.¡± Israfel said to the curious Haniel. As he said those words, a young nurse entered the room. - ¡°Hi there, my name is Anael. I¡¯ll be watching over you today¡± Said the nurse warmly. Israfel tapped her should and silently whispered a few words. - ¡°If anything happens, find me in the emergency room, alright?¡± Whispered Israfel. Anael nodded, prompting Israfel to leave the room and Haniel alone with the nurse. Anael walked towards Haniel, showing a sincere smile. - ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, you¡¯re able to walk on your own, but would you like if I took you in a wheelchair? It is the first time after all¡± - ¡°There¡¯s also a walker if you prefer going on your own two feet¡± The comfort of the wheelchair was tempting, but Haniel wanted to stretch her legs. After spending so much time asleep, her body was stiff. - ¡°If it¡¯s not too much trouble, I¡¯d like to walk,¡± Having said that, the nurse efficiently handled the necessary preparations, and thus began their journey through the hospital. Haniel¡¯s delicate condition promoted Anael to maintain a close proximity, but at the same time hoped to keep a balance between support and autonomy. She walked slowly, allowing the girl to remember the layout of the building. Everything had gone seamlessly to that point, now reaching the first floor of the building. - ¡°Don¡¯t worry if you can¡¯t remember the route the first time around¡± - ¡°I¡¯ll be here to accompany you as many times as you need.¡± The nurse¡¯s smile was genuine, and even though Haniel couldn¡¯t see it for herself, she felt comfort in her words. - ¡°Oh, on your right is the cafeteria. We¡¯ll come back here later for your lunch¡± To this point, Haniel had been fed exclusively through an IV. She felt weak and was barely able to stand up on her own, so Anael¡¯s words brought relief to the aching girl. At first glance, the cafeteria was cheerful and vibrant, but as soon as the pair passed through the doors, something strange happened. - ¡°Huh..?¡± Said Haniel, in a state of shock. She came to a sudden stop, turning her gaze across the cafeteria. Her sense of smell had heightened since the accident, and now, all she could smell was death. Blood and the nauseating odor of rotting flesh. Haniel couldn¡¯t contain her disgust, gagging and shivering as if the space before her was the product of some sick satanic room of horror. - ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Whispered Anael, noticing her patient in clear distress. Just like that, the scent vanished. Like it was all the product of Haniel¡¯s imagination. - ¡°No.. No, nothing¡¯s wrong. I thought I heard something coming from the cafeteria but I guess.. it was nothing..¡± Said the confused Haniel. - ¡°I see.. But if you¡¯re feeling something don¡¯t hesitate to tell me¡± Said Anael with clear concern in her voice. Even so, she continued the tour, sneaking glances at Haniel throughout. Minutes passed and that strange odor never reared its head around. Was it simply a product of her imagination, Haniel thought. Having been asleep for so long it would make sense for that to have been the case. Before she could be aware of that, the sensation returned as they passed the game room. - ¡°Ah..!¡± Haniel stopped in her tracks, feeling the disgusting aroma of death overwhelm her body, this time worse than the last. The young girl could feel herself getting dizzier and dizzier, suddenly coughing uncontrollably. - ¡°Haniel..?!¡± Worried Anael, rushing to her side. Haniel looked as if she was on the verge of vomiting. Anael acted quickly, looking for bottled water but there was none. It was clear to Anael that she had intense nausea and to counter this, she took the young girl outside, sitting her on a bench to get some fresh air. - ¡°Wait right here, I¡¯ll get you some fresh water¡± Said the nurse before swiftly running back into the hospital, leaving her patient at her lonesome. Haniel took a deep breath, gradually recollecting herself. The fresh air from the courtyard cleared her senses, and the smell of death was quickly replaced by a natural flower garden. There was a hint of amber in that smell, so there might be a forest not too far away thought the girl. It was easy to lose track of time in a peaceful environment like this. The sound of footsteps suddenly appeared, getting louder and louder until it was right on her doorstep. - ¡°Sorry for the delay. Here, I got you some water. Drink up¡± Said now exhausted Anael, holding onto her knees. Haniel grabbed the bottle, thanking her nurse before taking a sip. Anael continued to inspect Haniel and it looked as if all had returned to normal. After an incident like that however, it would be critical to not let your guard down so easily, thought Anael. After all, it had only been a matter of minutes since Haniel awoke from her coma. - ¡°Sorry Haniel, Could you excuse me for a moment?¡± - ¡°I¡¯ll have to inform Doctor Israfel about this, it won¡¯t be long¡± Haniel tilted her head with a look of visible confusion. It didn¡¯t seem necessary at this stage, given that she felt stable, but if it was coming from a professional, how could she refuse. Haniel faced Anael and nodded, prompting Anael to take off and leave her patient at her lonesome once more. Alone again, Haniel relaxed and let out a soft sigh. Eventually, a sour feeling entered her mind. It¡¯d been a few minutes since Anael had left, but yet there was still no sign of her return. Minutes came and went one by another, and Haniel grew anxious. She stood up and paced back and forth. She stopped and gazed at the hospital. She couldn¡¯t go back alone, certainly with her eyesight, so her options were limited. Anael hadn¡¯t returned and it began to feel like hours. Having no other option, Haniel sulked on the bench. She began to doze off, but what she hadn¡¯t realized was someone had taken a seat next to her. - ¡°Good day miss, apologies for the intrusion¡± Said the person. It was male voice, but it was gentle and warm. - ¡°You look down, is everything alright?¡± He continued. It was an adult man, around the same age as Israfel, or maybe older. It was all tough to tell for the girl so suddenly. His aura was as pure as spring water, or at least, that¡¯s what she had thought¡­ Invisible Bonds in the Profound Darkness A strange sensation washed over Haniel. Despite the complete darkness surrounding her, she began to faintly discern the outline of a figure. It was the first time this had ever happened, and she couldn''t help but be astonished and afraid at the same time. However, a warm feeling of security quickly enveloped her, soothing her fears. ¡°(What is this sensation, and who is this strange figure?)¡± The silhouette that had formed in front of her seemed to be composed of magical particles with a soft, almost invisible, white hue against the absolute darkness. Given her own condition, she had a vague idea of what a person''s shape might be, but what she was experiencing was completely different from what she had imagined. ¡°(..Who is this person..?)¡± Unable to find an explanation for what was in front of her, a hint of doubt crossed Haniel''s face. Her only option to discover the identity of the person before her was to ask directly. However, before she could do so, an unfamiliar sound took the lead. ¡°Woof! Woof!¡± ¡°Huh..? Woof...?¡± Seeing that the mysterious silhouette moved in sync with that indescribable voice, Haniel couldn''t help but tilt her head slightly, her expression now reflecting even deeper confusion than before. ¡°I''m sorry if my companion startled you, miss.¡± ¡°She''s Sera, a Siberian Husky.¡± Haniel remained perplexed, which was entirely understandable since she had no knowledge of what a "Siberian Husky" was in her current state. Her expression was now colored with an honest and innocent curiosity before her voice was heard once more. ¡°Siberian Husky..?¡± ¡°Yes, she''s a very friendly dog. Would you like to try petting her?¡± This mysterious man posed the question while maintaining a friendly smile, creating a pleasant atmosphere. Feeling relaxed once again, much like she had when she was with the nurse, Haniel contemplated asking more questions about Sera. Or, at least, that''s what she intended to do, as her body unconsciously moved to stroke the adorable dog, who appeared to be taller than her. ¡°(..She''s so fluffy..)¡± ¡°(Very fluffy!)¡± Haniel began to pet the dog in such an unusual way that a bead of sweat trickled down the cheek of the mysterious man. It seemed like his dear companion had made a new friend. A couple of minutes had to pass until the little girl was satisfied with the attention she gave to the dog, and now she was taking a brief break. Seeing that she wouldn''t be interrupted further, it was the perfect moment for him to introduce himself politely. ¡°By the way, miss, I apologize for the late introduction; my name is Mikael.¡± For some strange reason, Haniel couldn''t react immediately. Her mind went momentarily blank, and after regaining her composure, she inclined her head slightly toward Mikael. ¡°My.. My name is Haniel!¡± Haniel''s manners may have seemed a bit abrupt, but her tone was genuinely friendly. Mikael squinted his eyes and observed the young girl in detail, but his gaze seemed to be seeing more than just her physical body. ¡°(..I feel as if something is surrounding me..)¡± Mikael''s gaze caused the temperature in the air to drop, creating a slight discomfort for Haniel. It appeared to be a habit he was aware of but couldn''t control, so he apologized appropriately to her. ¡°I''m sorry if I made you uncomfortable, Miss Haniel.¡± ¡°I sometimes cause discomfort in people.¡± Despite feeling that something was amiss in Mikael''s words, Haniel couldn''t muster any questions, as she didn''t know how to broach such a conversation. But she didn''t want to remain silent, so she tried to think of a common topic. Fortunately, there was something simple that had piqued her curiosity. ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Mikael, are you a doctor at the hospital?¡± Mikael was about to suggest that Haniel take a seat, so this question caught him off guard. Scratching his chin slightly, he let his gaze wander around as he considered his response, and the little girl waited patiently with a slight curious smile on her face. If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. ¡°A doctor? Hmm.. In a way, you could see it like that...¡± Haniel smiled cheerfully upon hearing that, and it seemed she was about to ask another question. However, Mikael pre-empted her, making a slight hand gesture as if he were trying to clarify a misunderstanding. ¡°Although, currently, I am a wanderer-¡± ¡°No.. To be more precise, it would be correct to say that I am a roaming priest.¡± ¡°A roaming priest..?¡± The innocence of the girl brought a sincere, gentle smile to Mikael''s face. He appeared to be on the verge of explaining to Haniel what that meant, at least with some simple words she could understand. However, just as his lips began to move, something caught his attention, stopping him and causing a change in the atmosphere around them. The young girl also noticed this, leaving her wondering what had occurred. ¡°It seems we''ve run out of time, but I must say it was nice chatting with you, Miss Haniel.¡± Haniel tilted her head slightly in doubt at the unexpected words. From her perspective, she could see a strange silhouette in Mikael, who was gesturing casually while smiling warmly at her. Despite her keen sense of hearing, she didn''t notice someone approaching them. ¡°Haniel?¡± ¡°..Huh?¡± Haniel couldn''t hide her surprise upon hearing her name being called, so she unconsciously turned in that direction. She could easily recognize the voice; it was Anael, so the young girl had certain expectations of seeing the silhouette of her beloved nurse, as she had with Mikael and Sera. However, the result was different. ¡°Miss Anael, my vision-¡± *Absolute darkness* Upon seeing only darkness, Haniel stopped her words, and her expression changed in the blink of an eye. This made her briefly wonder why she was able to see something in them and not in Anael. Were they special in some way? It was one of the questions that crossed her mind, but before she could think about it in more detail, her dear nurse had noticed something strange about her. ¡°I''m sorry for the delay, Haniel. I tried to hurry when I saw through the window that you were making strange gestures while alone. Did something happen? Slightly surprised by her nurse''s concern, Haniel didn''t dwell on the words and responded naturally, making a small gesture in the direction of where Mikael and Sera had been to tell Anael that they had been pleasant to her, but... ¡°No, I was just talking with-¡± *Silence and absolute darkness* The moment Haniel turned to her new friends, she could no longer see their silhouettes. Perhaps she had only been able to see them for a brief moment, but she was sure they were no longer in front of her, which was quite strange that they disappeared suddenly. But this made certain previous words from Anael catch her attention. ¡°(She said I was making strange gestures while alone..?)¡± Haniel''s expression changed, reflecting a mysterious doubt within her, and then she gently rubbed her forehead. Was she suffering from some form of paranoia that made her imagine both Mikael and Sera? She didn''t question it, but she had some similar thoughts due to her inability to understand the situation. ¡°Haniel, are you okay? Your expression has become concerning again.¡± Unable to find answers to her thoughts, Haniel tried not to worry her beloved nurse too much, so she warmly smiled at her before responding. ¡°Yes, I think I''m just feeling a little tired.¡± Anael also smiled, but she still appeared concerned. So she had the little girl sit down to take a short break before discussing the itinerary they could follow since she hadn''t been able to find Israfel anywhere; she needed to make a decision. ¡°Under these circumstances, it''s best to take you to your room, but I believe we should stop by the cafeteria first to fill your stomach, as you''ve been receiving nutrients through an IV all this time. Is that okay? Haniel nodded without much thought, and her dear nurse made a tender gesture, smiling warmly at her. She then walked behind the young girl and lightly massaged her shoulders as if she had remembered something; she had forgotten to bring the walker with her. Therefore, it would be best to carry her to the cafeteria. However, just as she was about to suggest that... ¡°Now that I think about it-¡± *A somber feeling* Before finishing her words, Anael turned her gaze towards a forest that was visible through one of the exits from the shrubbery. However, the nurse''s expression had turned darkly sinister, as if she were trying to contain a surge of hatred. The ominous feeling in the air hadn''t been caused by her, and it was so overwhelming that it caused Haniel''s body to tremble slightly. The young girl was frightened, so she tugged at the nurse''s uniform to get her attention. ¡°Mi-Miss Anael?¡± Anael snapped out of it upon hearing Haniel''s voice, and she was about to apologize for getting a little distracted, but as she looked at the young girl... ¡°I''m sorry, Haniel, I got distracted for a moment-¡± ¡°. . . !¡± Haniel''s deteriorated expression sent the nurse into a panic, so she quickly picked up the young girl in her arms and gently rubbed her head in an attempt to calm her while speaking with genuine concern. ¡°I''m sorry, I''m so sorry. I promise it won''t happen again.¡± Although Haniel remained silent, she responded with a slight gesture, rubbing her head against Anael''s shoulder. The situation seemed to have returned to normal, so a slight smile appeared on the nurse''s face as she prepared to carry the young girl carefully. The plan to stop by the cafeteria was still in place, but if her condition worsened during the journey, they would visit the infirmary first. While being carried, Haniel remained still, as if she were resting, to the point of simulating sleep. However, the reality was different, as she was deeply immersed in her thoughts, remembering what she had seen in that somber moment. ¡°(For a brief moment, I was able to see it.. But why was the silhouette and color so different...?)¡± At that moment, Haniel had been able to see the silhouette of her beloved nurse, but unlike Mikael and Sera, who had a slightly transparent white silhouette and a soothing atmosphere around them.. Anael''s silhouette was of a distorted red color that couldn''t hold steady. There was no way the young girl could find an answer to the events that were happening, so she tried to clear her mind a bit while they headed to the cafeteria to avoid worrying Anael. Staying positive was a good option, but she would soon realize that it was only the beginning of a series of such events that would mark her daily life... Obsessed Palate: A Nutritionists Patient - Part 1 *Minutes later* Minutes passed calmly, and unlike before, there was nothing unusual in the hallways. This way, they reached the cafeteria. Haniel was still in the nurse''s arms, and it didn''t seem like Anael had any intention of letting her walk. Anael would only release her when she found a seat for the young girl, and she would have her lunch in peace. ¡°Let''s see, where can we sit?¡± ¡°Nurse Anael, over here.¡± ¡°Hmm..? That voice...¡± Anael''s attention was quickly drawn by a slightly corpulent-looking doctor with short brown hair and a beard resembling a Klingon style. He was sitting at a table for eight people with an abundance of food on it, yet only he and a child who appeared to be his patient were present. Anael approached the table carefully while still holding Haniel in her arms and made a slight nod with her head. ¡°Good afternoon, Doctor Epul¨®n.¡± ¡°Come on, Anael, don''t be so formal with me.. Hahaha...¡± With a cheerful chuckle and a friendly gesture, Epul¨®n tried to break the formality gap between them. But his attention quickly shifted to Haniel. After observing the delicate condition of the young girl''s body, he quickly turned his gaze back to the nurse. ¡°Please, have a seat; the little one looks very hungry.¡± There was no reason to refuse his offer, so Anael carefully put Haniel down so that they could both take a seat. She glanced for a moment at the vast amount of food on the table, which was really excessive for just the two of them, but she decided not to say anything about it. Meanwhile, Epul¨®n warmly smiled at the young girl. ¡°My name is Epul¨®n, and as Nurse Anael mentioned, I am a doctor.¡± Even though Haniel couldn''t see, Epul¨®n made slight hand gestures, indicating himself in his introduction, and then directed his hand toward the boy next to him. The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°The boy next to me is named Cibo. Although he''s my patient, I''d say he''s become like a son to me.. Ahahaha...¡± Epul¨®n was waiting for the boy to introduce himself to Haniel, but Cibo seemed indifferent to that and continued eating rather rudely. Noticing this, the doctor''s expression changed slightly, reflecting a hint of sadness. So, he tried again, this time with a more honest tone in his voice and a gentle pat on his patient''s shoulder. ¡°Come on, young man, introduce yourself.¡± It seemed there was no way to get the boy''s attention, but as he was once again ignored, Epul¨®n''s expression turned dark, hiding part of his face while a strange gleam could be seen in his one eye. A cold sensation could be felt by both Haniel and Anael as the doctor''s voice was heard pronouncing the boy''s name. ¡°Cibo.¡± ¡°. . . !¡± Finally, there was a reaction from Cibo; he stopped eating and glanced furtively at his doctor while his body trembled slightly. Then, he turned his gaze to Haniel and gave a slight bow. ¡°M-my name is Cibo, nice to meet you..¡± Haniel easily noticed that Cibo was very nervous, and she knew that in a way, it had been due to Epul¨®n''s intervention. But it didn''t seem unusual from her perspective. Before introducing herself, Anael whispered something in her ear, offering her a little advice. ¡°It''s a pleasure to meet you; my name is Haniel.¡± Haniel didn''t know how to introduce herself, so, thanks to her dear nurse, she made a slight gesture by tilting her head and offering some polite words. Epul¨®n warmly smiled at this, while Cibo continued to eat as if nothing had happened. Anael, on the other hand, smiled faintly at the young girl. ¡°Haniel, is there something special you''d like to eat? Or do you remember any favorite foods?¡± Haniel tried to recall if there was a favorite food she had enjoyed in the past, but before thinking too much about it, she made a slight gesture with her nose, as if the aroma of something on the table had caught her attention. Noticing this, Epul¨®n scratched his chin slightly while smiling honestly. ¡°It seems something on the table has caught Haniel''s attention.¡± ¡°Don''t worry and take whatever you like; there''s plenty of food on the table.¡± Despite not knowing how to respond to that, Anael encouraged her with a gentle pat on the shoulder, and then she tried to help by guiding the young girl''s hand to the food with the aroma that had piqued her interest. It was a dessert called ¡°ca?oncito de dulce de leche¡±. Upon touching it, Haniel warmly smiled at Anael. Perhaps starting with dessert wasn''t the healthiest option for the young girl, but the nurse couldn''t say no to that smile. Everything was really pleasant, but as she tried to take the dessert from the tray, Cibo suddenly stood up violently, with an enraged expression, and yelled: ¡°THAT''S MY FOOD!¡± Both were quite surprised by the boy''s reaction. However, Anael, who looked more frightened, was able to see that Cibo was about to strike Haniel directly in the face. In that instant, she thought only of protecting her dear girl, so she was going to try to take the blow for her, no matter the harm she might incur. [EXTRA] Hospital - Character Collage Hello, my dear reader, how are you? Here, I want to share with you some small images from what had been the adaptation of the comic for chapter one. Unfortunately, this project was canceled because we didn''t have the time or sufficient funds to adapt the story in this way. Therefore, we might try to present some illustrations in future chapters for certain characters. I hope you enjoy them! Haniel Stolen story; please report. Israfel Anael Unknown man Obsessed Palate: A Nutritionists Patient - Part 2 Anael didn''t hesitate for a moment in her decision and closed her eyes after embracing Haniel, ready to use her own body as a shield to protect the little one. However, at that precise moment... *Thud* After hearing that unusual sound and realizing that the danger seemed to have vanished, as several seconds had passed without any blow reaching her, Anael refocused her gaze on the scene. A faint hint of concern appeared on her face as she observed what lay before her eyes. - Cibo.. What the hell are you doing...? Epul¨®n had stopped Cibo. Now, the child''s face was consumed by fear, as the doctor''s gaze had become so terrifying that even Anael felt a slight chill running down her spine. The space around him had distorted in such an inhuman way that it was hard to describe. - Doctor Epul¨®n. As the atmosphere grew increasingly heavy with each passing second, Anael had no choice but to intervene and draw Epul¨®n''s attention, who returned to normal upon hearing her voice. Cibo certainly deserved an appropriate punishment, and the doctor would take it in stride. With a slight sigh, Epul¨®n inclined Cibo as an apology, and in a synchronized motion, he also assumed the same posture. - I apologize for what happened, Miss Haniel. - Food for Cibo is like a refuge from this bitter world, that''s why he behaved that way. - But I promise it won''t happen again. Haniel, now freed from the nurse''s protective embrace, smiled slightly at the apology. The little one wasn''t sure how to respond, so she remained silent, with an honest smile on her face. Seeing her like that, Epul¨®n reacted similarly and, after exchanging a glance with her, turned to Cibo with a serious expression. - Cibo, go back to your room. - . . . ! Cibo, taken aback by the doctor''s words, glanced at the remaining food on the table for a brief moment and then turned his gaze to Epul¨®n to protest, but at the very moment he was about to do so... - But, I still have food¨C - Boy, I won''t repeat it. - . . . ! Lowering his gaze with sadness and offering no further protests, Cibo nodded at his doctor''s words. As he walked away in silence, Anael observed him out of the corner of her eye, and at that moment, she was surprised to notice that the person waiting for the boy was staring at both her and Haniel. Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere. At the entrance of the cafeteria stood another nurse, similar in height to Anael but with completely different features. Her short, straight hair of intense dark brown, golden eyes, a mole beneath the right end of her lip, and her petite figure characterized her. She gave a faint smile to comfort Cibo, giving him a gentle pat on the back as she accompanied him to his room. Before leaving, both nurses exchanged an intense look, and for some inexplicable reason, there seemed to be a latent hostility in the woman''s expression with short hair towards Anael. Though not openly expressed, this tension was palpable in the air. Concerned, Haniel tugged at her dear companion''s uniform to get her attention. In response to the little girl''s unease, Anael warmly smiled at her and caressed her head. Epul¨®n, who had been silently observing the scene, showed a sincere expression of appreciation. When the scene came to an end, he stood up from his chair and approached Haniel. - Little one, I know I''ve already apologized, but I''d like you to consider this as part of my apology. Epul¨®n carefully placed a small cardboard bag in Haniel''s hands. She felt a sweet aroma emanating from his gift, and it was slightly warm, as if what was inside had just been baked or cooked. The little one felt intrigued but also a bit confused. Anael, noticing her bewilderment, spoke on her behalf. - Doctor Epul¨®n, this is¡ª - ?Churros! - ..Huh? The doctor interrupted the nurse with a triumphant gesture, raising his thumb and winking. Anael tilted her head slightly, showing an astonished expression. She had expected something lighter, like fruit, for the little one. - Doctor, with all due respect, I don''t think it''s appropriate for Haniel. She just woke up after being unconscious for several days. *Stop* With another slight hand gesture and a smile, Epul¨®n silenced Anael''s words. The doctor assumed a confident posture, trying to dispel her doubts about the food. - No need to worry. I''m an expert in nutrition and gastronomy. - Plus, these churros are magical! Covered with fairy dust! Epul¨®n''s expression seemed somewhat extravagant, but it reflected his sincerity, trying to make them forget the previous incident. Anael forced a smile while considering how to respond, but her main concern was the little Haniel. - Magical..? Fairies...? Despite not remembering clearly what fairies were, Haniel appeared moved, displaying sincere and tender curiosity on her face. She was so adorable that Anael thought she might go blind from the overwhelming cuteness. With a sigh of resignation, she finally gave her approval. - Alright, Haniel, you can have one, but the rest has to be something light. Both Epul¨®n and Haniel showed a slight sadness upon hearing this restriction. The doctor seemed about to say something in response, but Anael was determined, and he had to relent. He sighed with a faint smile and, after looking towards the cafeteria''s entrance, redirected his attention to them. - Well, ladies, I must take my leave. I hope you enjoy your lunch. Before Epul¨®n left, Anael caught Haniel''s attention to whisper a couple of words. Without getting up from her chair, the little girl lowered her gaze and, with her hands clenched together, cheerfully exclaimed: - Thanks for the magical churros! The doctor felt proud to hear those words, while Anael smiled somewhat bitterly, and a bead of sweat rolled down her cheek. Without further words, Epul¨®n left with a measured pace, maintaining a cheerful expression on his face. However, once the doctor entered the hallway, and they lost sight of him, his expression changed dramatically to a serious darkness. A few meters away, the nurse who had taken Cibo to his room was walking in the opposite direction. Both kept their gaze forward, paying no attention to each other. But in the moment they stood side by side, the doctor lightly touched the nurse''s shoulder and whispered a few words to her. Then, they continued walking separately as if nothing had happened. Epul¨®n''s expression remained somber as he slowly faded into the darkness of the hallway. Light break in the cafeteria Meanwhile, Haniel and Anael enjoyed their lunch. The chemistry between them was warmly pleasant, as if they were mother and daughter. Anael shared some trivial conversation topics with the little one to make time pass a bit faster for her, while also attempting to help the girl recall some of her likes or hobbies that she had forgotten due to the memory loss. At the end of the lunch, both took a brief break in the cafeteria. They remained silent, and Haniel seemed immersed in pleasant thoughts, smiling tenderly. Anael discreetly observed her while scratching her chin, as if considering something important. Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. - Haniel, since we''ve already taken a little tour of the hospital and had lunch, would you like to spend some time in one of the restrooms? There are several very comfortable bean bags. - What''s a bean bag? Anael couldn''t help but smile as she foolishly scratched her cheek. There were things that the little one was better off experiencing rather than being explained with words, so the nurse kept that secret. Keeping the little girl''s curiosity alive, Anael set up Haniel''s orthopedic walker again, and after making sure everything was in order, they headed to the rest area. Mysterious stalker in the library - We have arrived, Haniel. In front of the rest area, Haniel perceived the surrounding atmosphere. The breeze coming through the window carried a faint sweet scent, possibly from a nearby garden filled with flowers. It was a cozy place, at least that''s what she felt. Noticing that the little girl was a bit distracted, Anael approached carefully. - Even though it wasn''t a long walk, you feel a bit tired, don''t you? Haniel considered it for a brief moment and then shook her head. She tried not to show it, but the truth was that she was starting to feel a bit fatigued. Considering her physical condition, this would likely be the last stop before returning to her room. - Let me help you a bit, okay? Assisting the little girl, Anael guided her slowly through the room. It was equipped with things to pass the time and decorations to make the stay pleasant. There were bookshelves, reading tables, chess tables, sofas, carpets, flowers, paintings, a fireplace, large windows, and an exit leading to the backyard. - Now, turn and gently let your body fall. - Don''t worry, I''ll be holding you all the time. Haniel followed her nurse''s instructions, and everything seemed to be going smoothly. However, the moment she dropped her back onto the bean bag, a residual image invaded her mind. The eloquent smile of a woman with long black hair caused an uncontrollable sense of fear in her. *Gripping tightly* - ?..Ha-Haniel? Anael couldn''t help but be surprised and concerned by the little one''s reaction, who had clung tightly to her body. Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website. - Everything is fine; I''m here with you. Anael gently embraced the little girl while giving her light pats on the back to calm her. The nurse had a guess about what had happened; that movement was somehow related to Haniel''s traumatic experience, she thought as she continued to hold her. After separating a bit carefully, Anael gently stroked Haniel''s head, showing genuine concern on her face. - Haniel, we can forget about the bean bag and sit on the sofa or a chair. - But if you prefer, I can take you to your room to rest. - .. I-I''m fine, just got a bit scared.. Haniel responded almost immediately to reassure her nurse. It was clear that there was something more behind her fear, but perhaps it wasn''t the right time to talk about it. - Do you want to try again? This time, it''ll be like you''re trying to sit on something very soft. After Haniel nodded, Anael carefully seated her on the bean bag. The girl''s expression was charmingly amusing as she felt the softness of the bean bag. Anael, who was on her knees in front of the little one, smiled as she watched her. - Haniel, while you rest, would you like me to tell you a fairy tale? Although she didn''t fully understand what a "fairy tale" was, Haniel nodded curiously. With that warm response from the little one, Anael stood up and walked toward one of the nearby bookshelves. Scratching her chin slightly, Anael carefully examined all the available fairy tales. She needed a simple story without too many details in the narration. After a few seconds of searching, she seemed to have found a suitable book and laid her hands on it. However, before she could take it out of the shelf, a trembling voice interrupted her. - ..N-Nurse Anael, I''m sinking.. - "Sinking..? What are you talking about¨C Anael was about to let out a little laugh at the girl''s words, but when she turned her gaze back to Haniel... *Sinking* - Ha-Haniel! Since the little one didn''t know how to sit on it, she began to sink slowly as if the bean bag was devouring her. Fortunately, Anael acted in the blink of an eye to rescue her. After this heroic intervention by the absent-minded nurse, both fell silent, feeling each other''s warm presence in the air. Until suddenly, both let out a tender giggle at what had happened. It seemed that nothing would interrupt this warm moment between them. However, both Haniel and Anael were unaware of the presence of a person watching them from the entrance of the room. It was the silhouette of a girl with long hair that exuded a gloomy atmosphere around her. Her cold eyes were fixed on the bandaged little one, but it wasn''t a look of curiosity or sympathy. There was a certain hostility in it, as if a deep and dark threat was hidden behind her gaze...