Sweat prickled my brow. Their words were overwhelming, as though they were laying my soul bare. Who were they? Why were they speaking as though they knew me better than I knew myself?

Patient 6, who had been silent until now, finally spoke.

"I'm the voice you've silenced. The guide you've ignored. I've always been here, whispering the right path, pleading with you to choose wisely. But you didn't listen, doc. Piece by piece, you've killed me, until there's almost nothing left. And now... it's too late."

My chest tightened. "Who are you?" I whispered.

He didn't answer, his silence deafening.