Chapter 2

On a pitch-black night in Gravesville Forest, two officers crept cautiously among the dense trees. One of them, visibly concerned, started to grumble. "Max, we've been searching for three hours, let's head back to the office," he said. "Don't chicken out now, Dax. Nothing ever happens in this town. We should make the most of this," Max countered. "But..." "No buts! Look, I see something." Max pointed to a tree with bloodstains and a trail of blood behind it. Dax hesitated, but Max's stern gaze made him follow along.

As they pursued the bloody trail, they observed claw marks scattered around until they reached a cave where a terrifying sight awaited them. "Oh God," Max shivered. Dax tried to speak but instead vomited, revolted by the gruesome scene. "Max, let's get out of here now. We've seen enough," Dax said while still retching. "We certainly did," Max agreed, trembling uncontrollably. Turning back, he decided to take a photo for their sergeant while keeping his eyes shut to avoid revisiting the gory sight. Suddenly, he heard Dax scream – he tried to open his eyes and move his body but couldn't do either. He felt nothing at all; he...he was dead.

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"Clay? Clay, wake up! Clay!" Dr.Marshel desperately tried to rouse Clay from his slumber by shaking his head, his body, and even his bed with no luck – until she resolved to splash water on him which effectively jolted him awake. "Rise and shine, buttercup," she said cheerily.

"Good morning, Mom," he replied sleepily. Ever since Dr.Marshel reluctantly took in Clay as her ward, they developed a deep bond as if he were her own son. "Breakfast is ready, so hurry up and get ready. It's already 7:45 a.m., and I can't drive you to school today," she warned. "Working at the hospital?" he inquired, stretching. "Yes, another incident occurred yesterday, and they've called all the doctors – especially me," she replied, rolling her eyes.

"Just a heads up, I might not make it to your party tonight. But my gift for you is in my room."

"No problem. Just take care of yourself; I don't want you to get 'lost' as well."

"I promise I won't," she reassured him with a kiss on the forehead before hurrying off to the hospital.

Clay was somewhat disheartened but accepted the situation; after all, Dr.Marshel was the best doctor in Gravesville. And with the recent surge in violence, she would always be busy – even on his birthday.