Page 18 of Map of Pain
Luka’s jaw clenched.
Break glass.Take what’s needed.
Tempting. But hospital security might investigate broken vending machines,evenin this abandoned wing. He’d already filled a large gift shop bag with soft clothing and basic toiletries. Small comforts Nick probably hadn’t experienced in months.The thought of the hunter trying to clean infection with gasoline made something protective coil tighter in Luka’s chest.
He studied the vending machine’s dusty contents—water, protein bars, anything to combat months of malnutrition.
We need these things. Nick needs these things.
Footsteps echoed down the empty corridor, too light for security. Luka turned, recognizing the familiar scent before Jae-sung appeared around the corner. His friend looked exhausted, wrinkled scrubs hanging from his frame, dark circles prominent beneath his eyes. He carried two bags—one from hospital lost-and-found, another large pharmacy bagthatclinked with medication bottles.
“Fighting with technology?”Jae nodded toward the vending machine.
«Card stopped working,»Luka said.«Need more supplies.»
Jae set his bags down, pulling out his own wallet.“How much more are you planning to buy? There won’t be anything left.”
«Everything useful.»Luka gestured at the machine’s contents.
Jae handed over a series of billsthatlooked like they’d been ironed and smelled of hand sanitizer.“You’re obsessing.”
«Not obsessing. Providing necessities.»
“Uh-huh.”Jae’s knowing smile irritated Luka, but he took the cash anyway.
While Luka systematically emptied the vending machine, Jae unpacked the lost-and-found items.“These might fit him better than hospital stuff. Slip-on shoes about his size. Jacket’s a bit worn but warm.”
Luka nodded gratefully, and proceeded to select every protein-containing item in the machine.
“I brought everything you asked for.”Jae patted the pharmacy bag.“Broad-spectrum antibiotics. Pain meds, though you said he won’t take them. Wound care supplies. IV fluids. Enough to treat him off-grid.”
Luka paused, looking at his friend with concern.«How did you get all this?»
“I found his old admission record from six years ago to check allergies and I used a Medicare number from someone who died last month for the drugs.”Jae shrugged.“Pharmacy doesn’t question prescriptions with proper paperwork.”
The risk Jae had taken for a stranger who tried to cut his arm off wasn’t lost on him. He reached out, squeezing Jae’s shoulder in silent gratitude.
“You need to get him out of here soon.”Jae’s expression turned serious.“People will start asking questions about missing supplies. Hospital admin does random audits.”
Luka nodded, understanding the growing danger. His gaze caught on something unusual—faint red moisture stuck to Jae’s eyelashes. He reached out, wiping one away with his thumb.
«Have you been crying?»
Jae looked away.“Custody battle case. Parents fighting over visitation rights while their four-year-old was in my ICU with a head injury. I spent three hours with them arguing about legal details before I had to tell them to stop fighting because their son is brain dead.”
Luka opened his arms to offer a hug, though he knew Jae wouldn’t take it.
“My shift ends in two hours. Need to be back before morning staff arrives.”Jae gathered his empty bags.“Get him stable and gone before someone notices the missing supplies.”
Luka began collecting everything—gift bag, vending machine haul, pharmacy items. The urgency was clear. This sanctuary was temporary. They needed a longer-term solution for Nick’s recovery.
“How is he?”Jae asked, hesitating before returning to his shift.
«Sleeping. First real rest in days.»
“Good.”Jae studied him.“Justbe careful, Luka. Whatever this is... it’s complicated.”
Luka nodded. He knewthatbetter than anyone.
