Chapter 30: Still waters run deep (part 3)

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There are days admittedly worse than others.

Their neighbor–a kind, elderly woman named Renée–pulls him aside before he could even open the door, "You should go talk to your little girl, Doctor. I think something's going on with her."

He frowns, even though he was aware, (he already knows. There was no need to rub it in) and he was seriously beginning to get tired from all of his useless denials. Li-Am can already feel the dread and fear coiling within his guts like maggots twisting and feasting over his insides.

To his neighbor, he nods amicably, "Yes, thank you for calling me, Renée, I seriously appreciate the concern. I'll get to her right away."

She huffs, "Well good!"

"Did she say anything? Where is she now?"

Renée shakes her head, "Not a word. I think she's locked herself in her room right now. I mean, I tried calling and knocking on the door but ... but Lei-Lei wouldn't even come out. I'm worried."

Li-Am gulps uneasily as he opens the door, "I see..."