The stranger jumped, startled by her sudden awakening. He was tall and slender, with a pleasant face and an air of quiet competence. But something seemed off—a subtle softness in his otherwise masculine features, a certain elegance in the way the fabric of his sleeves revealed his shoulder, the line of his waist accentuated by his high-cut trousers, and the careful knot of his cravat.

"Stranger, please, I'm trying to help you!" he exclaimed, his voice a baritone tinged with a higher pitch. Kate squinted at him, her vision blurry. "Who are you? How did you save me? I thought I was dead."

"I found you unconscious at my doorstep," he explained, his voice calm and soothing. "You were knocking with the last bit of your strength." Kate tried to focus on him, but the details remained hazy. "Your clinic?"

He sighed, a hint of tiredness in his voice. "I am Dr. Hydes. Someone brought you here. I haven't had a patient in months, so I ended up using my quarters. Not exactly appropriate, but it was the only space available after the rest of the building accumulated... well, let's just say generations of bio-hazards." 

As Kate lay on the wooden board while Hydes spoke, Kate's gaze darted around the room. It was familiar, yet different. This had been her childhood bedroom, every detail ingrained in her memory. Yet, the furniture was gone, replaced with Dr. Hydes's belongings. A wave of nostalgia washed over her, mixed with a strange sense of loneliness.

"Do you feel isolated in this big room, Doc?" she blurted out before she could stop herself. Dr. Hydes raised an eyebrow, surprised by her question. "Isolated? It does feel a little... empty, like..." He hesitated, searching for the right words.

"Like an old childhood room meant for more than one person?" Kate finished his sentence, the realization dawning on her. Dr. Hydes's eyes widened in genuine shock. "Exactly! How did you know?"

Kate's voice dropped to a whisper, a name on her lips that tasted bittersweet. "Ms. Clover... my mother." It felt strange, almost surreal, to use that term after all these years of abandonment. Dr. Hydes's expression softened with understanding. "You lived here?" "As a child," Kate affirmed, confusion creeping in. Before she could elaborate, Dr. Hydes knelt beside her, his voice now softer, more feminine.

"Do you still own this house? If so, here." He held out a pouch of bronze coins, a gesture of unexpected generosity.

Kate stared at him, bewildered. "What are you doing, Doc?" He took a deep breath, a flicker of fear in his eyes. "This is for the house. I apologize for... taking it without permission. I thought it was... abandoned." Kate's jaw dropped. "I was on the streets, not in this house! I didn't even know this was still mine!"

A wave of guilt washed over Dr. Hydes as Kate's words sunk in. He retracted his hands, a low apology escaping his lips. "Oh, I'm sorry about that, Miss. I truly thought this house was still abandoned."

Kate, however, didn't seem fazed. A twisted smile played on her lips. "Don't sweat it, Doc," she rasped, her voice still weak from her ordeal. "Honestly, I kinda get it. You want a place to help people, a place to make a difference. Me? Stealin', well, that's... well, it's fun, let's just say."

For a moment, Dr. Hydes forgot all about the house. He watched with a mixture of amusement and concern as Kate patted down her pockets and hair, her brow furrowed in concentration. "What are you looking for, Miss? You shouldn't be exerting yourself after that... unpleasant experience on my doorstep."

A triumphant grin replaced the furrow on Kate's face. "Found him!" she exclaimed, pulling a fiery orange blur from her hair. Nestled amongst the auburn strands was Roy, his tiny form a perfect match for her hair color. "Now where was I? Ah yes, survival! And this little guy," she added, holding the sleepy mouse towards Dr. Hydes.

The doctor leaned closer, his gaze drawn to the creature nestled in Kate's hand. Roy, however, did not share the enthusiasm. His usually bright eyes were dull, a faint reddish tinge lingering around them. His tiny teeth chattered occasionally, revealing a speck of food stuck between them. His fur, normally immaculate, appeared slightly ruffled.

As Kate held him out, Roy stirred, his beady eyes locking onto Dr. Hydes. A barely audible chirp escaped his tiny mouth, revealing a glimpse of pink tongue and white teeth. For Dr. Hydes, however, the chirp morphed into a deep, unsettling voice that echoed in his ears.

"Doctor..." the voice rasped, a thick fog enveloping his vision. He saw himself standing in a desolate field, clouds moving faster than a god, greyish skies, and surrounded by countless corpses, their faces had nothing but a mirror reflecting a kaleidoscope of past victims of illnesses. The voice grew louder, closer.

Roy scurried across Kate's hand and onto Dr. Hydes' shoulder, nuzzling against his neck in a gesture of comfort. The voice, though, twisted in Dr. Hydes' mind.

"I'm going to lick you," it hissed, the tone dripping with malice, "and you'll get something... deadly, doctor. Incurable. A biohazard." A single drop of saliva, thick and dense, dripped from Roy's mouth, landing on Dr. Hydes' skin.

Panic seized him. His heart hammered in his chest as visions of his body withering away filled his mind. He saw the impact, the destruction, the extinction he would cause. The carefully constructed facade of Dr. Hydes crumbled, replaced by raw terror. A scream, raw and primal, erupted from his lips. The voice of the doctor, the carefully crafted persona, shattered, revealing a woman's voice, laced with fear and vulnerability.

In reality, however, Roy simply nestled deeper into Dr. Hydes' shoulder, exhaustion finally claiming him after a long night of saving Kate. His chirp was a quiet one, a sign of fatigue rather than malice. The tiny mouse needed rest.

Unfortunately for Roy and Kate, the doctor's panicked wails shattered the fragile peace. As the carefully constructed facade of Dr. Hydes crumbled, a wave of transformation rippled through the room. Her short, formal hair seemed to writhe and lengthen in a heartbeat, cascading down her back in a tangled mess. The crisp uniform she wore dissolved into a loose-fitting garment, revealing the soft curves of a woman beneath.

The sudden shift startled Kate. Roy, flung from the doctor's shoulder by the convulsive movement, landed with a soft thud right on her freshly stitched wound. A searing pain, intense and sharp, ripped through her, like a battering ram slamming against her already fragile body. The world blurred at the edges, her vision swimming with dizziness. Something was wrong.

Through the haze, Kate saw a horrifying change in the doctor's eyes. The cool, professional brown irises seemed to melt and warp, morphing into a sickly shade of reptilian yellow. Panic surged through her, a primal fear that clawed at her throat. Instinctively, she leaned closer, trying to get a better look.

But before she could focus, her strength gave way. Her legs buckled, and she tumbled off the operating table with a surprised cry. The doctor, snapped out of her terror by Kate's fall, whirled around.

"Miss!" she exclaimed, rushing to Kate's side and catching her before she could hit the floor. Concern flooded her face, momentarily replacing the raw fear that had been etched there moments before.

Silence stretched between them for a tense moment before Kate's eyes fluttered open. "Miss, are you alright?" the doctor asked, her voice laced with genuine worry.

Kate stared back, her gaze wide and bewildered. The doctor looked completely different. Gone was the composed professional she had encountered earlier. In her place stood a woman with worry etched on her face, a woman whose eyes, although no longer glowing yellow, held a depth of vulnerability Kate hadn't seen before.

Believing this must be someone entirely different, Kate clutched her wound, her voice trembling slightly. "Who are you?" she rasped. "Are you here for an appointment? Dr. Hydes is trying to help me right now, to see another sunrise."

A wry smile touched the woman's lips. "Well, you are seeing Dr. Hydes right now, face to face," she replied, a hint of self-deprecation in her voice.

"But you look like a woman, how..." Kate started, her confusion evident. Her gaze drifted down, landing on the woman's chest, which, unlike a man's broad chest, was flat. A beat of stunned silence followed, and then a single chuckle escaped Kate's lips.

The woman, clearly bewildered, followed Kate's gaze and finally understood. Her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "What are you chuckling about?" She glanced down at her own body, realization dawning in her eyes.

Kate, unable to contain herself, burst into laughter. A bitter laugh escaped Hydes' lips, echoing awkwardly in the tense silence. "H-have... you... you have no shame?" she said, her voice laced with a stuttering defensiveness. As Kate laughed, Hydes took a deep breath and simply told her, "I mean, not to be rude or anything, but yours..." Her gaze flicked down to Kate's chest, lingering for a beat before a small gulp escaped. "Yours aren't anything either..."

Kate's laughter died, replaced by a spark of indignation. "Well, at least they're not like yours—a flat, dusty plain!" she retorted, her voice laced with venom.

"Hey! I'm stating some facts, and it's just... it's almost unfair..." Hyde countered, her voice trying to quell the rising tension.

"Doc, you have a void chest! I can laugh a bit, but no, you just have to take it all away..." Kate shot back, the childish insult leaving a sour taste in her mouth.

The Doctor, massaging her temples, told Kate, "Listen, please. I was trying to make things fair. I'm not making you insecure or..." Finally, Kate seemed to reach a breaking point.

"You know what time it is, Doc?" she spat, her voice raw and laced with desperation. "I'd rather be out there feeling the pain in the streets than be stuck here with someone who thinks a quick laugh is insensitive. Of course, it is! And yet you're now trying to tell me I can't take a little chuckle because you went soft like a cloud. And before you ask, it's called comedy, you hypnotist of security! I don't even need anyone else besides the mouse you bruised!" Hydes responded, confused, "You mean hypocrite..." 

Before Hydes could say more, the door slammed shut. Hydes sighed, massaging her temples. As she reached for a nearby book, it felt furry and warm. Hydes' eyes widened. With those two beady eyes and the thought of germ-infested fur, she yelled out like a ghoul, her heart pounding. 

Meanwhile, Kate, with rain flowing down her face and a defiant look away from her old home, heard the yelling but assumed it was just Doctor Hydes complaining.

Ignoring the pain that flared with each step, Kate slammed the heavy oak door shut behind her, the resounding boom echoing through the empty halls. A faint cry of concern, lost in the drumming rain, did little to soothe the storm within her.

Alone on the rain-soaked steps, Kate cradled her wound, the dull ache a constant reminder of her vulnerability. "Sorry, Roy," she whispered, her voice thick with shame. "That flat chest... I just had to leave. Hope she chokes on dirt, right, Roy?"

Reaching for her fiery-haired companion, a cold dread washed over her. Her fingers met only empty air. Panic clawed at her throat. Roy, her only friend, her constant companion, was gone.

The realization crashed over her. Left behind, abandoned. On this cold night, with every breath a struggle, the weight of her isolation pressed down. Memories of the mine, of being a forgotten child, surfaced—a chilling echo of the present.

"No friends, no family," she choked out, her voice barely a whisper. "Just another thief soon to be forgotten. Great. Just great."

Tears welled in her eyes, blurring the bleak world. Her body was wracked with tremors, mirroring the storm above. "It's the same, isn't it?" she croaked, her voice lost in the rain. "Just like the incident in the mine—everything turning to dust, history, turning into a grave... but worse. No people, no one to support me, just me alone in the cold. Anyone, please make these thoughts stop!"

A sob escaped, a raw cry of despair. "No one will know me, not as anything but a thief. I'll die here, another forgotten soul rotting in the streets."

She hugged her knees to her chest, trying to ward off the encroaching darkness, both physical and emotional. "I'm going to die alone," she whispered, the words tasting like ash.

A sliver of light pierced the darkness, a beacon cutting through Kate's despair. The heavy oak door creaked open, revealing a silhouette framed by the warm glow within. A hesitant yet concerned voice broke the silence.

"Hey, Miss," it spoke, the sound carrying through the rain. "I found your... mouse." It was Hydes, her voice barely a whisper, her hands trembling as she held out a tiny, orange blur nestled in her palm. Roy. Relief washed over Kate, momentarily pushing aside the bitterness of their argument.

But Hydes' words trailed off. Her gaze darted between the sleeping mouse and Kate, worry etching itself onto her features. "Do you know," she began, her voice tight, "that the bubonic plague is..."

The sentence died as she fully took in the sight. Kate, slumped on the steps, tears carving glistening tracks through the grime on her face. A jolt of concern coursed through Hydes, replacing the lingering apprehension.

Ignoring the ache in her legs, Hydes lowered herself onto the step beside Kate. The damp cold seeped through her thin clothes, but it was a distant sensation compared to the raw emotion radiating from the young woman.

"Are you alright?" she asked gently, her voice softer than the rain.

Kate flinched, startled. Hastily, she wiped at her tears, leaving streaks of grime across her cheeks. "Well, Doc," she croaked, her voice thick, "I'm just fine. I'd do better without you anyway. Now, can I please have Roy back, Doctor Flat—I mean, Doctor Hydes?"

The playful jab, laced with bitterness, fell flat. Hydes barely registered the accidental insult. Her focus remained on Kate's well-being.

"This is your building, remember?" Hydes pointed out, her voice a low murmur. "And besides, you're bluffing."

Confusion clouded Kate's face. "Bluffing, Doc? I'm pretty sure I'm not."

Hydes reached out, a hesitant touch landing on Kate's shoulder. Her eyes, filled with concern and exasperation, met Kate's tear-filled ones.

"Miss," she began, but Kate cut her off, defiance in her voice. "Kate," she corrected, the name a small act of defiance against the formality.

"Kate, or whatever," Hydes continued, her voice firm but not unkind. "I haven't finished stitching your wound yet. And just a moment ago, I saw you crying. I think it might be best if you..."

Her voice trailed off. With a sigh, Hydes looked down. "Look," she finally conceded, "if you just stay for a bit, even for one night..."

Kate hesitated. The thought of seeking shelter and accepting help from this strange woman was difficult. Yet, the thought of another night in the rain, her wound throbbing, was worse.

"I'll be fine," she mumbled, more to herself. "Just got some dust in my eye, that's all."

She reached for Roy, warmth returning to her eyes. But as she started to rise, a gust of wind sent a fresh wave of rain lashing down. A shiver ran down her spine, and she winced at the pain in her chest.

Hydes watched, disappointment replacing the concern in her eyes. Shame washed over Kate. She had misjudged the situation. Sharing this bitterness with Hydes, Kate felt regret and doubted if she should stay, fearing further trouble with the law.

The more Kate gazed at Hydes' disappointment, the heavier she felt. This wasn't someone who hated her; this doctor was trying to help her recover. Yet, she was pushing her away. Kate realized this was a choice, a chance to make a difference, even if it was just with one person.

If she didn't stay, all the stitches and unexpected pain would be a reminder of a choice rejected for a life of crime, still viewed as just another petty thief who, in life and after death, disappointed her family.

Kate turned back, releasing a pressured sigh. "Doc," she began, a hint of a bitter smile playing on her lips despite the pain that lanced through her chest with each ragged breath. "I did change my mind, though the reason is... I'm starting to... like you."

As she spoke, a jolt of pain ripped through her, doubling her over. Hydes' face contorted with alarm, her concern momentarily eclipsing other emotions.

"Careful!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to steady Kate.

With a grimace, Kate sank onto the rain-soaked steps, the throbbing in her chest a dull counterpoint to the storm outside. Hydes knelt beside her, her brow furrowed.

"And your chest," Hydes added, her voice laced with concern. "It sounds awful. Let's get you back inside and finish those stitches."

Relief washed over Kate, a warm wave dispelling the chill. Inside, away from the relentless rain, there was a chance, a fragile hope for some comfort.

Hours melted away as Hydes, with practiced ease, finished stitching Kate's wound. The makeshift operating table felt strangely comforting, a far cry from the cold streets. As the final stitch was secured, Kate gingerly probed the wound, ignoring Hydes' admonishing hiss. A sharp pang reminded her of her vulnerability.

"Told you not to touch, Ms. Kate," Hydes said with a sigh, a hint of disappointment in her voice. "Sorry, Doc," Kate mumbled, guilt coloring her cheeks. "About the whole... void chest thing before."

A beat of surprised silence followed, then a reluctant smile tugged at Hydes' lips. "Apology accepted," she conceded. "And for the record, I apologize for the misunderstanding. And... starting that whole mess, with some extra incidents with your furry... friend..." Hydes faltered, searching for the right word.

"Roy," Kate offered with a grateful smile.

"Yes, Roy," Hydes continued. "Sorry for almost driving you out with our little talk." A chuckle escaped Kate's lips, genuine and warm. "Don't worry about it, Doc. A petty thief like me can take a few jabs."

But a burning question ignited in her mind. "So, Doc," she began, her voice curious, "mind explaining the whole pretending-to-be-a-man thing?" Hydes' smile faltered, replaced by unease. "Well, Miss Kate," she began, her voice carefully measured, "let's just say my clients tend to trust me more if they perceive me as... well, a man."

Understanding dawned on Kate's face. It wasn't uncommon, this ingrained prejudice against women in certain professions. "Huh," she replied, a thoughtful frown creasing her brow. "Yeah, that figures. Not exactly fair, is it?"

Hydes let out a dry chuckle, devoid of humor. "Fairness is a rare commodity these days, wouldn't you agree, Miss Kate?"

Then, taking a deep breath, she seemed to make a decision. "You see, Miss Kate," she began, her voice dropping to a hushed whisper, "you're the only one who knows my secret. As a bonus," Hydes continued, her voice vague but sincere, "I was born... well, let's just say somewhere near here. Learned everything I know about the human body from..." Hydes trailed off, then continued, "...scraps and stolen knowledge. Came here to pursue medicine, but then I realized... the path I envisioned might not be as readily available for someone of my, well, preferences." She collected herself and forced a smile. "Anyway, enough about me. Miss Kate, it seems we've both forgotten something rather important."

Hydes cast a wry glance around the room, finally settling on the single, makeshift bed in the corner. It was Kate's old bed, the one she'd slept in during happier times. Now, it sat awkwardly in the sterile environment, a reminder of the past.

"Well, Doc," Kate started, a mischievous glint in her eyes mirroring Hydes'. "Where am I supposed to sleep?" Hydes' smile faltered, her eyes darting between Kate and the bed. The only other option was her small cot, tucked away in a far corner.

"Well, Miss Kate," she began, her voice hesitant, "I hope you're not... too attached to this room." Surprise washed over Kate. This was her old room, filled with memories of her childhood and Ms. Clover. But relief quickly followed. This room, once a symbol of loneliness, now offered a strange comfort.

"Are you kidding, Doc?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with amusement. "You're offering me my room? You must be crazy!"

But genuine warmth bloomed in her chest, a stark contrast to the dull ache of her wound. Despite their differences, despite the bizarre circumstances, there was a sense of connection.

Hydes, for her part, felt a weight lift. The isolation that had shrouded her seemed to lessen with Kate's presence. Here, in this unlikely situation, she had found a companion, someone who, for better or worse, understood what it meant to be an outsider.

"And before I forget," Hydes says, a faint smile on her face, "My real name is Hazzle, Hazzle Owenson."

TO BE CONTINUED