Page 226 of Scarbound

Duri looked toward the bedroom door. “Almost. His brother is arranging emergency medical help now.”

Dr. Kim’s voice became more alert. “What happened?”

Duri closed his eyes. “He’s been missing for three days. We found him restrained in a bedroom.”

Another pause.

Duri forced himself to continue. “He’s injured. There’s blood. He’s been sexually assaulted.”

Dr. Kim remained calm. “Duri, listen to me. The ambulance is the priority. With what you’ve described, he needs urgent medical assessment.”

“I know.”

“Is he conscious?”

“Yes, but…” Duri looked at Noeul. “I don’t know if he knows I’m here.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s awake, but he keeps staring at the wall. He barely reacts when I speak to him. I don’t know what’s wrong.” Duri swallowed. “I don’t know if he’ll let the paramedics near him. I don’t know how to get him out of this room without frightening him more.”

“All right.” Her voice remained steady. “Has anyone touched or moved him since you found him?”

“No.”

“Good. Unless there’s immediate danger, don’t force him to move. Let the paramedics assess that.”

Duri nodded before realizing she couldn’t see him. “Okay.”

“For now, stay where he can see you. Don’t approach him suddenly.”

Duri looked toward Noeul. “Should I tell him who I am?”

“Yes. Use your name. Speak slowly. Keep it simple.”

Duri took a breath. “And if he doesn’t recognize me?”

“Don’t force him to.”

Dr. Kim continued. “Tell him where he is. Tell him help is coming. If you need to move closer, ask first.”

“What if he doesn’t answer?”

“Then wait.”

Duri stared at Noeul. Every instinct in him screamed to cross the room. To cover him. To hold him. To get the cuff off his wrist. Instead, he stayed where he was.

“Okay.”

“And Duri?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t ask him what happened.”

Duri closed his eyes. “I won’t.”

“Right now, he only needs the next few minutes. Nothing more.”