As I rose to leave with Death, I turned to Patient 5, who had remained silent throughout.

"Who are you?" I asked.

Death glanced at him but said nothing. It was Patient 5 who finally spoke, his voice soft and infinite.

"I'm for you to figure out, doctor," he said. "I've been here all along, in every breath, every heartbeat, every moment you ignored. Reflect, and perhaps you'll understand."

As I followed Death into the void, the weight of their words pressed down on me. The answer to Patient 5's riddle lingered, just out of reach. Perhaps, in the eternal silence, I would finally understand.

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Epilogue: Who was Patient 5?