Chapter 6

The nurse, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, studied Evelyn's chart for a moment before responding.

"Well, Miss Thompson, your vitals have stabilized, and the doctors haven't found any physical injuries. However, given the unusual circumstances of your admission, they recommended at least another 24 hours of observation."

Evelyn's heart sank, but she kept her composure. "I appreciate the concern, but I really feel fine now. Is there any way I could be discharged sooner? I have some urgent matters to attend to."

The nurse's brow furrowed slightly. "I understand, dear, but your health should be the top priority. Let me speak with the doctor on duty and see what we can do. In the meantime, try to rest."

As the nurse left, Evelyn's mind raced. She couldn't afford to wait another day. Every moment she spent in this hospital bed was a moment lost in uncovering the truth about Professor Harris and the strange events unfolding around her.

Glancing around the room, Evelyn spotted her personal belongings on a nearby chair. Moving carefully to avoid disturbing any monitoring equipment, she swung her legs over the side of the bed. A wave of dizziness washed over her, but she gritted her teeth and stood up.

As she changed into her clothes, Evelyn formulated a plan. She needed to get back to the university, to Professor Harris's office. There had to be clues there about his research and his disappearance.

Just as she finished dressing, the door opened again. Evelyn froze, expecting to see the nurse or perhaps Agent Carver returning. Instead, Lily stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with surprise.

"Evelyn! What are you doing?" Lily hissed, quickly closing the door behind her.

For a moment, Evelyn hesitated. Should she trust Lily with the truth? The memory of the strange glow in her friend's eyes gave her pause.

"I can't stay here, Lily," Evelyn said finally. "There's something I need to do. Something important."

Lily's expression softened. "This is about Professor Harris, isn't it? Evelyn, please, whatever's going on, let me help you."

Evelyn studied her friend's face, searching for any sign of deception. All she saw was genuine concern and friendship. Taking a deep breath, she made her decision.

"Okay, but not here. Can you help me get out of the hospital without being seen?"

Lily nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Leave it to me. I used to volunteer here - I know all the back ways out."

As they made their way through the labyrinthine corridors of the hospital, Evelyn felt a mix of relief and apprehension. She was glad to have Lily's help, but the weight of the secrets she carried felt heavier than ever.

Finally, they emerged into the cool night air through a service entrance. Evelyn took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

"So, where to now?" Lily asked, her voice low.

Evelyn met her friend's gaze, her determination evident. "The university. Professor Harris's office. Whatever's going on, I think the answers start there."

As they set off into the night, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The shadows seemed to move in ways they shouldn't, and every sound made her jump.

Little did she know, their escape from the hospital had not gone unnoticed. In a darkened room across the street, a figure stood at the window, observing their departure. The figure raised a phone to its ear.

"Sir, the girl has left the hospital. She's on the move."

A pause, then a response: "Follow her. But do not engage. We need to see where this leads."

As Evelyn and Lily made their way towards the university, the pieces of a much larger puzzle were beginning to fall into place. The truth that awaited them would shake the foundations of everything they thought they knew about their world and themselves.