Chapter 54

• As I sat at my cluttered desk, lost in the sea of papers and deadlines, a sudden interruption shattered the monotony of my workday. A delicate fragrance wafted through the air, drawing my attention away from the blinking cursor on my screen. I glanced up to see a single flower resting innocently on the edge of my desk, accompanied by a note with cryptic instructions: "Meet me outside."
• Intrigued by the unexpected gesture, I picked up the flower, its petals soft and vibrant against my fingertips. The scent enveloped me, a sweet and intoxicating aroma that seemed to transport me away from the sterile confines of my office. Without a second thought, I abandoned my work and made my way outside, the anticipation building with each step.
• As I stepped into the crisp air outside, my senses alive with anticipation, a sudden jolt rocked me from behind. A hand clamped tightly over my nose and mouth, the sickly sweet scent of chloroform invading my nostrils. Panic surged through me, but it was too late. Darkness enveloped my vision, swallowing me whole as consciousness slipped away.