It's been few days since the first sign started showing up. When he woke up the next day after passing out, he felt better for the whole day and the days following that. There were no symptoms, pain, numbness, or anything. He even felt refreshed for no apparent reason. He just did his work for the next days as usual; talk to Max, do some research, continue his book, all the while never leaving the house except if he feels like working from his patio or have smoke.
After doing that for almost a week, now comes the day when Isla and some residents go to the main land. He grabbed his bag, the shopping list, and went his way to the shore to wait for Isla and the others. When they spotted Adrian, they call out his name loudly and waves at him.
"Long time no see, sir. How are you?" Isla asks as they load some containers and big bags onto the boat. Adrian got on board before Isla, offering his hand to her as some help.
"Everything's good, actually. I have done more than I expected. How about you? Are you not bored as there were no tourist that asks for some tour?" He smirks as he puffs his chest out in a proud manner, making it obvious he was talking about himself as that tourist. Isla laughs heartily at his words.
"Well, I have done many things and even made some possible tour plans, brochures designs, and now thinking of how I can create a page for promotion purposes." Her smile was bright and excitement was very obvious on her face as the thoughts and plans cross her mind.
"That's great. I can help you if you like. I have my fair share of experience on touring and vacations on some parts of the world, not mentioning my research and technical skills as an author." He willingly offers his help to her. He honestly wants to help Isla and the tourism of island to grow and be known widely. And Adrian was very confident that that island will soon be sought after when he publishes the book he's writing right now: because he literally describes the island and mentions it.
Adrian can't help but laugh when he remembered how Max reacted when his exact location was leaked to him. Max has been pestering him constantly, wanting to know where on earth he's been hiding. And when they discussed the book, the plot, and the details of it, Adrian can't help but grimace when he accidentally mentioned where he's located.
"You don't have to go here. I'll be coming back to US in a few weeks to finish and arrange something there. I'll keep you updated. And if you want, you can even go with me when I come back here." Adrian said as he casually leans back on his chair while talking to Max on video call. The man's expression lightened up when he mentioned coming back to US.
"I'm looking forward to that." Max replied.
When their call ended, Adrian's smile instantly vanished and his expression was a complete turn-over. He already booked his flight to go back and his sole reason is to have a thorough checkup on the hospital. Although he's also planning to have a check-up on the hospital on the main land, he still needed to go back to US to make a comparison. He was not feeling any kind of symptoms now aside from the first one, and thought that he might've been just overthinking those as symptoms of the white compound, but he wanted to make sure what is literally happening on his body right now. He might even need to walk to his friend about his mischief of stealing those compounds. And his head is already aching at how his friend will probably react to his confession. But the biggest hurdle will be Max, how he can escape his monitoring and go to the hospital, and how the news will never leak to the media.
It was a grueling four and half hour of boat travel from Isla Verano to the main land. And as they started their ride before dusk, Adrian can't help but be amazed to the sunrise happening in front of him. As the dark ocean started to be dyed in a golden hue, the sky changing from dark to morning, the cold breeze that seems like they carry the scent of that morning, he unconsciously smiles to himself. "It was a beautiful morning. Another day to live." He was smiling but his tone has that subtle hint of sadness. Isla stares at him silently before looking back at the sunrise again. They travel in silence just like that with only the sound of the boat motor and few snores from the other residents can be heard aside from the waves around them.
When they arrived, everyone had to move separately, aside from Isla and Adrian, as they all have different tasks to accomplish. After discussing at what time they'll meet and where, Adrian and Isla go on their way. As he is still not that familiar with the place, and there's a big possibility of losing his way back, Isla had no other choice but to go with him as they both finish their respective chores. And after buying everything will they have the time to walk around and tour.
"Is the hospital far from here?" Adrian suddenly inquires as they walk around the street.
"Not really. We can be there within a few minutes if we ride the tricycle. Do you need to go?" She asks while sipping the mango shake on her hand.
"Yeah. I just need to do some check-ups. Will it take too much time? Can we make it back if we go now?" He now feels conflicted to burden them with a sudden hospital check-up. Isla blinks and her eyes moves around as she ponders at his request.
"I'll just message someone and say we'll be coming late because you want to have a check-up. Let's go. We should hurry because hospitals can be busy on later hours." Isla lifts up her hand and calls for their ride – a tricycle, and made their way to the private hospital that she recommends that have great reviews. And to his surprise, as Isla said, it took more time than expected for his general checkup. All showing normal signs and he was advised that he just needs to take some supplements. He became even more doubtful that what he experienced were just him overthinking it.
Isla occasionally peeks at him all throughout their way back to the island as he looks even more serious even when the results show nothing to worry about.
"I'm fine. I was just deep in thought, don't worry." He smiles at her when he finally noticed her worried expression. "It's good to know that I am healthy." His hand inadvertently reached out to her head, rubbing her hair like something you will do to a little kid.
That night, he once again experienced the numbness of his muscles when he laid down on his bed and cannot move his body for a long time – like he's on sleep paralysis. He began to panic that minute as he tries his best to move his muscles. It was not until more or less half an hour when he can finally move once again. That's when his resolve to go back to US became even more stronger.