Chen Ge stood by a window fitted with wire mesh, with the outside world just beyond it. He could smell the flowers, feel the sunlight and the gentle breeze, and see the person he longed for. But he simply couldn't get out.
The world outside was beautiful and real, but it belonged to the people out there.
His fingers gripped the wire mesh, the rust scraping against his skin. Chen Ge silently watched the Haunted House on the west side of Paradise Park, where a female performer dressed as a ghost was working.
Though she had ghost makeup on, Chen Ge still recognized her at a glance.
"Focus on your treatment. Once your condition improves and the dean approves your discharge, you can go find her." Dr. Gao treated Chen Ge very well. He knew about the tragedies Chen Ge had endured, and beyond his duty as a doctor to care for his patient, he also felt deep sympathy for him.
"I can go out once I'm better?" Chen Ge longed for the outside world. He watched the female performer without blinking. The performer selling tickets at the park seemed to sense his gaze, too. She turned her head and glanced toward the hospital.
Their eyes met. Chen Ge instinctively tried to look away, but soon realized the woman meant him no harm. There was no prejudice or disgust in her gaze, only curiosity.
Perhaps she noticed how uneasy Chen Ge looked. The performer, made up as a Vengeful Spirit, gave him a faint smile.
Their eyes met for only a second or two. Then the performer went back to work, handing out flyers to passing visitors, holding up an advertising sign, and enthusiastically promoting her Haunted House.
"Was she like the old me, or is she playing the part