15: The all-knowing doctor.

The origin of the infection traced back to a seemingly ordinary day in the town, where a mischievous little boy named Tommy had been playing near the outskirts. Unbeknownst to Tommy, he had come across an old, abandoned well hidden among the thick foliage.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he peered into the dark depths of the well. There, lying at the bottom, was a mysterious, ancient-looking artifact—a small, ornate box intricately decorated with symbols and engravings. Intrigued by the find, Tommy reached down and grabbed the box, unaware of the ancient curse that lay dormant within.

Unfazed by the legends of supernatural occurrences in the town, Tommy showed his newfound treasure to his friends during an innocent playdate. The children, unaware of the box's true nature, took turns holding it, laughing and joking as they passed it around.

As the days passed, however, strange things began to happen. One by one, the children who had come into contact with the box fell ill, exhibiting mysterious symptoms that stumped the local doctors. The infection seemed to spread rapidly, with each new case becoming increasingly severe.

The townspeople quickly realized that something was amiss, and fear spread like wildfire. Rumors of a supernatural curse began to circulate, sending shivers down the spines of those who heard the tales.

It was during this time of uncertainty that Dr. Celesta Hartwood arrived in town. Drawn to the place by a force she couldn't explain, she sensed that her unique skills and knowledge could be of help in unraveling the mysterious outbreak.

As a seasoned traveler, Dr. Hartwood had encountered various rare and unknown ailments in her past. However, the infection in this town seemed like nothing she had ever encountered before. It perplexed her, and she was determined to find answers.

Through her medical expertise, Dr. Hartwood diligently worked day and night to tend to the infected patients. Her calming presence and genuine care provided comfort to the frightened townspeople, and they soon placed their trust in her hands.

As she delved deeper into the origins of the infection, she followed the trail of cases back to Tommy and the ornate box. Suspecting a connection, Dr. Hartwood set out to investigate the box's history and the symbols engraved upon it.

Through her extensive research, she discovered that the box was linked to ancient folklore—a tale of a powerful artifact said to bring both blessings and curses to those who possessed it. Legends spoke of a powerful supernatural force locked within the box, which, when unleashed, could cause havoc and suffering.

Mrs. Smithson, intrigued by the arrival of this new medical practitioner, sought to meet her and learn more about her background and experience. She invited Dr. Hartwood to their home for dinner, hoping to establish a connection with the woman who had become a beacon of hope in this time of crisis.

During dinner, Dr. Hartwood spoke eloquently about her travels and medical experiences in different parts of the world. Her knowledge was vast and varied, leaving the Smithsons impressed and curious about the origins of this remarkable woman. There was something about her that seemed familiar to Mrs. Smithson, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

As the evening wore on, the conversation turned to more personal matters. Dr. Hartwood asked about the Smithsons' family, and Mrs. Smithson couldn't help but share stories of Emily—her vibrant spirit, her fascination with the supernatural, and her unyielding curiosity about the mysteries of life.

To Mrs. Smithson's surprise, Dr. Hartwood seemed deeply interested in Emily's pursuits, nodding thoughtfully as she listened to every word. There was a sparkle in her eyes that seemed to mirror Emily's own sense of wonder.

"You remind me so much of Emily," Mrs. Smithson remarked, a mixture of nostalgia and sorrow in her voice. "She had a similar passion for knowledge and a desire to understand the unknown."

Dr. Hartwood smiled gently, "Your daughter sounds like a remarkable young woman. I believe there is so much more to this world than what meets the eye."

Mrs. Smithson felt a strange connection with Dr. Hartwood, sensing that there was more to her than met the eye as well. There was an air of wisdom and ancient knowledge about her, as if she had seen centuries pass and civilizations rise and fall.

As the night wore on, a deep sense of fatigue overcame Mrs. Smithson, and she excused herself to retire to bed. As she lay there, on the verge of sleep, she felt a gentle presence enveloping her, a presence that felt strangely familiar yet ethereal.