Ring… ring… ring…
The bell in the clinic suddenly rang.
Knock… knock… knock…
The sound of knocking on the door was heard by both of us.
"Ms. Liliana, it's Rodrick again. I came back because my gums feel awful."
"Uhhh…."
Is this the same guy from before? The one who complained about his teeth? I assume he's one of the regulars here… which makes no sense. This is a clinic.
"We're in the middle of something, Mr. Rodrick. You can come back tomorrow. As long as you keep your dental routine clean, I'm sure nothing will go wrong."
"Please… my teeth feel awful. May I come in?"
Liliana still had a pissed expression.
"Fine, Mr. Rodrick. Just wait a few minutes."
Liliana stood up and tidied her clothing, signaling that she was about to open the door.
...
Silence filled the room for a few seconds.
Knock… knock…
"In a minute!!!" Liliana shouted slightly.
A pout formed on her face.
She opened the door.
"Welcome again, Mr. Rodrick," Liliana said in a monotone voice.
A pale, lanky man stood in front of the clinic door. He looked to be in his mid-thirties. His face could hardly be called handsome, with a mix of black and white strands in his hair. But his eyes had sharp red pupils that contrasted with his tired eyebags.
"Sorry to bother you, Ms. Liliana. I hope I'm not interrupting anything important."
"You are. Now sit down."
Liliana pointed to the patient chair next to me.
I was still half-lying in my chair, watching this strange man. Something felt off about him.
"Oh, hi there. You're that person who used to work in this clinic too, right? Where have you been, man? Long time no see."
"Keep it quick, Mr. Rodrick. I have more important matters to deal with."
"My case is important too, ma'am," Mr. Rodrick said in a low voice.
"No, it's not. Now lie down."
Mr. Rodrick lay down in the patient chair next to me.
I swear, there was something off about this guy. I just couldn't figure out what it was.
The air suddenly felt colder when he got close to me. Liliana also seemed to be holding a feathered handkerchief.
The door was closed, so it couldn't be air coming from outside.
Meanwhile, Liliana prepared her equipment while glancing at both of us.
"Now open your mouth, Mr. Rodrick. Let me see your teeth."
Liliana used a flashlight to examine his mouth.
"Hmmm..."
From where I was lying, I could see some of his teeth. His fangs were clearly visible even from here.
"Mr. Rodrick, be honest with me. Have you consumed non-human blood recently?"
"No…"
Mr. Rodrick spoke nervously, glancing at me and avoiding eye contact with his doctor.
"I've only consumed human blood in the past few months."
"Mr. Rodrick… be honest."
"No, I don't drink animal blood… not that I remember."
Liliana stared at him while Mr. Rodrick tried his best to avoid her gaze.
"...….."
Wait a minute… consuming blood?
I muttered to myself, recalling all the strange characteristics of this middle-aged man—his pale white skin, red pupils, fangs, and the cold air surrounding him the moment he got near me.
This guy is a vampire!