Chapter Five: The Warning:

-Outside-

Big Mama and Hanako sat in the lobby, waiting. The little girl looked over at the clock. This was probably the eighth time of during so. What could she expect? Cassie told her time wasn’t going to change just by watching it. Yet, she just couldn’t help it. It was all she could do after all.

Hanako turned to Big Mama.

“Do you think she’s okay?” she asked. The older woman kept her eyes on the doors to the hall. She patted the child on the head.

“We won’t know until they tell us something,” she replied. Hanako pressed her lips together. She shuffled her feet a bit in her little brown shoes.

Finally, the doors blew open. The girls jerked their heads to see an ironic surprise. Dr. Stonem stood in the doorway, rubbing his hands.

“Is Cassie Blake’s family here?” he asked. Hanako glared at him.

“You!” she hissed. Big Mama held her back.

What have you done to Cas?, she asked in his mind. The doctor smirked at her.

Why ma’am, whatever do you mean?, he asked back.

What are you doing here?

I work here.

Don’t give us that!, Hanako cut in. What are you really doing here? Big Mama patted her on the shoulder to calm her down.

Hanako, please, she said in her head. The little girl drew back. William shook his head at her.

Still feisty as ever, I see, he said to her. Big Mama narrowed her eyes at him.

What do you want?, she asked the doctor. What have you done to Cassie?

Nothing, she’s safe, he told her.

Liar!, Hanako yelled. The doctor smirked at her.

Why would I have a reason to lie?, he asked. But, she’s not going to fully return to you just yet.

And what do you mean by that?, Big Mama asked him.

She’s on a quest.

A quest?

Yes, she is trying to help out a certain ghost regain her memories and escape the limbo that she is stuck in.

And you’re here to sabotage that mission?, Hanako asked. The doctor shook his head.

Oh dear me, no!, he replied. Big Mama put up her hand.

“That’s us,” she said. “We’re her family.” Hanako looked over at her.

What are you doing?, she asked.

You don’t want to draw attention to us, do you?, the older woman asked. You have so much to learn, my child. The doctor walked over to them.

Doesn’t she now?, he thought. Big Mama stood to her feet as Hanako growled at him.

“Surgery went well,” William said. “Ms. Blake has pulled through and is now resting in her room.”

What did you mean earlier that you won’t sabotage her mission?, Big Mama asked him.

Exactly as I said, William replied. I am not allowed to interfere or influence. I can only watch to see how it all turns out.

And how can we tell if you aren’t lying?!?, Hanako snapped at him. The doctor put up his hand and smiled.

Because you can’t do anything either, he told them.

What do you mean?, Big Mama asked.

We are pretty much in the same boat, ladies, Dr. Stonem summed up. You can’t help her out and I can’t sabotage her. She’s on her own with this one.

So what can we do?, the old woman asked him.

Just stay by her and support her until she’s complete, he replied. I just stand by and watch until I see how this ends. Hanako only glared at him.

“Can we see her now?” Big Mama asked.

“Right this way,” the doctor said. The two girls got up and followed Dr. Stonem down the hall to Cassie’s room.