As I scurry away from the hospital, the weight of the blood in my handbag feels both comforting and ominous. That was far too close for comfort. How did I get to this point? Back to craving blood like some kind of monster.
When I arrive at the apartment, I lock the door behind me and head to the kitchen. I take out the blood bag, staring at it for a moment. The internal struggle continues – the desire for the taste of fresh blood conflicts with the need to resist.
I find a glass and pour the contents of the blood bag into it. The deep red liquid swirls, mesmerizing and repulsive at the same time. I lift the glass to my lips, hesitating for a moment before taking a sip.
The metallic taste fills my mouth, and I feel a sense of relief. It’s not the same as feeding directly, but it’s a compromise – a way to survive without causing harm. I finish the glass, the hunger temporarily sated.
As I sit in the dimly lit apartment, I can’t escape the reality of what I’ve become. A vampire with a thirst that never truly goes away. The city outside buzzes with life, but in my world, it’s a constant battle for control.
The phone buzzes on the table, breaking my contemplation. It’s Annie’s number. I answer, trying to sound normal.
“Hey, Selene! Just checking in. How are you feeling?”
“Uh, yeah, better. Just needed some time to recuperate, you know?” I reply, hoping she doesn’t sense the tension in my voice.
Annie’s concern is evident. “Take all the time you need, Selene. If you need anything, just let me know.”
“Thanks, Annie. I appreciate it.”
We exchange a few more pleasantries before hanging up. I feel grateful. Annie has been nothing but supportive, and I’m deceiving her for the sake of my own survival.
The day stretches on, and I find myself lost in thought. The blood bag is a temporary solution, but how long before I need to drink again? I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to get away with snatching another blood bag from the ER. I have to come up with a plan.
The need for human blood lingers and won’t be satisfied by mere substitutes.
The evening descends, casting long shadows across the city. The hunger within me grows relentless and insatiable. The blood bag from earlier provided a temporary reprieve, but now I crave more – a steady supply to keep the thirst at bay.
I rummage through my apartment, locating an old backpack amidst scattered papers and books. I toss them aside, focusing on the task ahead. The backpack, empty and eager, becomes my vessel for salvation.
The Jeep’s engine roars to life as I navigate the city streets, the hum of the city offering a deceptive sense of normalcy. I’ve driven a bit further this time. There’s no shortage of hospitals in such a large metropolitan area, and soon, the hospital looms ahead, a beacon of hope in my quest for sustenance. The largest supply of blood bags resides within those sterile walls, and I’m determined to secure it.
I park the Jeep in the shadows, blending into the urban backdrop. Sneaking around is second nature for our kind, and my movements are silent and purposeful. The night staff hustles, their attention diverted by the constant ebb and flow of hospital life.
I slip through corridors.
The scent of antiseptic lingers in the air, a stark contrast to the metallic aroma that pervades my senses. The hunger intensifies with each step, urging me forward.
I navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the hospital with stealth and purpose, every sense attuned to the task at hand. Each passing nurse or doctor becomes a potential threat, their curious glances a reminder of the perilous nature of my mission.
At a nurse’s station, I spot a white coat draped over the back of a chair, a badge dangling from its pocket. My heart quickens as I calculate the risks. I need that badge to gain access to the storage area, but to take it without being detected will require finesse and speed.
Waiting for a moment when the station is momentarily deserted, I move with calculated precision. With a flicker of movement, I snatch the badge, my fingers brushing against the fabric of the coat. The adrenaline surges through me as I retreat into the shadows, heart pounding in my chest.
As I examine the badge in the dim light, I find it bears the name of a nurse who is likely on duty elsewhere in the hospital. With any luck, my theft will go unnoticed until it’s too late. But I know I can’t linger. Time is of the essence.
Steeling myself, I press on toward the storage area, the stolen badge clutched tightly in my hand. Each step forward brings me closer to my goal but also heightens the tension coiling within me. I must succeed. Lives depend on it.
Reaching the storage area becomes a challenge, guarded by electronic locks and monitored by vigilant security cameras.
With the stolen badge granting me temporary authority, I bypass the security measures and slip into the storage area. Cabinets and refrigerators line the sterile space, their contents a tantalizing treasure trove for my desperate need.
With practiced ease, I pry open a cabinet, revealing an array of blood bags neatly arranged inside. “Thank the gods for hospital efficiency,” I mutter to myself, relief and anticipation coursing through me.
As I fill my backpack with as many blood bags as it can hold, the red liquid sloshing within, I can’t help but feel a twinge of guilt mingling with the exhilaration. But in this moment, survival outweighs morality. I am a creature caught between worlds, and this blood is my lifeline. With a final glance around, I vanish into the shadows, leaving no trace of my presence behind.
The night staff remains oblivious to my presence, engrossed in their duties. I navigate the hallways, my senses on high alert.
The exit door opens, and the cool night air greets me. I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The backpack, heavy with its precious cargo, is slung over my shoulder as I slip into the Jeep.