Chapter 5 Searching for the identity of the mysterious man

RUTH.

In Awakening in the Dark, I woke up in the middle of a hospital room. It was early in the morning and very quiet. My leg was bandaged, bandages adorned my lip and forehead, and my arm hadn't escaped unscathed either.

Looking at the calendar on the wall, I couldn't believe that I had spent an entire day unconscious. I had to get back to the scene of the attack. To find answers about that mysterious man who saved me. "Hell, I've got to get out of here fast." I disconnected the wires that were intertwined with my body.

With difficulty, I sat down, feeling the sharp pain in my leg. I looked around for a strong pain pill, and without hesitation, I swallowed it. It was necessary.

I needed to be in top shape to investigate whatever was waiting for me outside. I grabbed my clothes from the closet, discarding the hospital robes. Cautiously, I got dressed, conscious of every painful movement. I found a mask to hide my face.

So that no one would know that I had run away in the middle of the night. I made my way out with my head down, making sure the corridor was empty. Without looking back, I opened the emergency exit door, slipping out unnoticed. The street was deserted, the night complicit in my desire for secrecy.

Each step was a battle against the persistent pain, but my determination was stronger. I needed to unravel the mystery surrounding that man. I walked in pain. I needed some kind of vehicle to get where I wanted to go.

MAX.

After the incident, I immersed myself even more in my work as a mercenary. I used it as an outlet to relieve the agony and fury that boiled inside me. With each mission, I was haunted by the concern that developed for that woman.

The question of my own identity and the fear of being discovered stirred me. I'd come home looking for my gun and realized it wasn't in my clothes from the day before. '' Damn.'' I had to go back there. I put my mask back on to cover my scarred face, left my house, and ran to the scene.

RUTH.

I walked through the dimly lit streets in pain. My mind was filled with questions about the mysterious man who had saved me. Why had he intervened? What did he want? And, most importantly, who was he?

I hailed a passing cab, trying to ignore the driver's curious glances as I got in, keeping my face hidden under the mask. "Just drive," I muttered, my voice muffled. The pain in my leg intensified with every bump in the road, but I clenched my jaw and concentrated on my determination to find answers.

The cab dropped me off near the scene of the attack. The deserted alley looked eerie under the pale glow of the streetlights. I retraced my steps, looking for clues that might lead me to the mysterious savior. As I moved cautiously through the shadows, I entered the storeroom. It was dark, and I only had my cell phone with me. I knew it could be dangerous, I was there alone. Without any protection, without my gun, without my vest. I hoped nothing bad would happen. I put the flashlight on my cell phone in front of me and kept walking, even though I was in pain. I had to find something, so I could get lucky again.

MAX.

Running through the dark streets, I reached the alley where the incident had happened. The cold wind was blowing in my face, in stark contrast to the heat inside me. I had to find the gun my father had given me. It was the last gift he gave me before he died.

As I approached the alley, I entered the abandoned warehouse. I looked around, moving in the shadows. I saw a figure in the distance, moving cautiously. Instinctively, I hid further into the shadows, keeping a safe distance. My eyes narrowed when I recognized the familiar footstep-it was the woman from the day before. The one I had saved.

I felt contradictory emotions inside me. Why was she here? Did she know something? I followed her discreetly, looking closely. I took a good look at the woman. She was limping, how could she be in that state, in that place? Was she crazy, or what?

I noticed her face was pale, and her lips were trembling. The agitated rhythm of Ruth's heart reached his ear. A peculiar skill of his was that he had acute hearing. Her breathing was also controlled, as if she were happy. I concentrated and heard her voice: ''I can't believe it, I made it. I must be really lucky.'' I noticed her smile. The woman was adjusting the coat she was wearing. It was a cold night. She looked around and limped out of there. I waited for her to leave and started looking everywhere I could. And nothing, I couldn't find it. '' What the hell.'' I punched the floor violently and felt my heart hammering inside me. I couldn't believe it was gone, and worse, that the police had caught it. I had to track them down. I had to get back what was mine. I stormed out of there in a rage, going to come up with a plan to get my gun back.

RUTH

I moved silently through the shadows of the empty streets. The pain in my leg was still there, but my determination was unwavering. Upon returning to the hospital, I slipped through the corridors with a skill learned on the streets. Avoiding prying eyes. When I reached my room, I carefully locked the door, making sure no one interrupted me.

The transparent bag contained the key piece. The gun I had found in the warehouse was lost in the darkness of the night. With a satisfied smile, I tucked the object inside my jacket, making sure it remained hidden. Putting my hospital clothes back on, I felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement. "I've done it. This weapon could be the key to finding out who this mysterious man is. I'm sure of it," I muttered to myself.

My gaze reflected renewed determination. Feeling fulfilled by the find, I lay back on the bed, allowing a smile to escape. "Tomorrow will be a new day," I thought. "When I wake up, I'll be in a better mood, and I'll soon be back at work. That's what I wanted. But surely my boss would only allow me to return when I was better and had recovered.

I rolled my eyes, and before I could go to sleep, my cell phone vibrated. I picked it up and saw several messages, one of which was from Eva. My friend, my God, was she all right? I looked at the display and read her message. What's up, Ruth? I visited you earlier, I was asleep. Please let me know if you're awake, I'll come over as soon as I can.

It was already four in the morning, and she was still awake. I had to answer, I wanted to know if she was okay. Eva, you've disappeared, and I thought the worst. Tell me you're okay. I just woke up, and I'm going back to sleep. I want to see you tomorrow, okay? I love you, friend. See you soon. Take care! I sent the message and laid my head on the pillow.

My friend replied, saying that the terrorists had only made her faint, but that she was fine. I thanked God that nothing serious had happened to her. I left my cell phone on the dresser and tried to sleep. But I was very excited, I had achieved something good that night. And I couldn't wait to find out whose fingerprint had been on the gun. "I'll find out soon," I smiled, even though I was in pain. This realization made me stronger.