My jaw dropped. How did Neil get in?
Sure, he knew the front gate code to enter the yard, but I was certain I had locked the living room door.
I swiftly rose to open the door, and there he was, standing right outside.
"How did you get in?" The thought of a murderer sneaking into my house had spooked me, and now I was wary even of Neil.
Neil turned and made his way towards the living room. Puzzled, I trailed behind him only to find the living room door wide open, bathing the room in a silvery moonlight.
He was still in his bloody clothes, looking oddly sophisticated yet freakish, especially with the way he was peering at the door. It made me inexplicably nervous.
"Did it scare you silly?" Neil finally broke the silence, "Why didn't you lock the door?"
I was taken aback. Had I forgotten to lock the living room door when I went to the bedroom?
Perhaps the events of the night had shaken me too much, leaving my mind in chaos.
I stammered, "Um... I forgot. How's Daisy? Is it okay?"
"It’s still at the vet. It'll have to stay for a while but luckily, its thick fur protected its vital organs," Neil replied, then looked at me and asked, "Are you sure you're not hurt?"
I nodded. I wasn't injured, just mentally and emotionally overwhelmed.
Suddenly, something caught my eye. The blood on Neil’s left forearm seemed thicker, the sleeve of his shirt clinging to it. It looked like he’d been hurt.
My heart clenched. "You're hurt. Your arm..."
I pointed at Neil's left arm.
Neil lifted his arm to examine it. Upon seeing his wound, he frowned but didn't seem overly concerned. "Hmm, he got me good, but I can handle it."
"Are you crazy? After you dropped off Daisy, you should've gone to the hospital. You've lost a lot of blood and what if the wound gets infected?" I was getting frustrated, whether from seeing all the blood or worrying about Neil's injury.
Neil seemed amused at my concern, his eyebrow arching. Despite his injury, he seemed in good spirits. "Are you worried about me?"
"Of course I am! You got hurt saving me, Neil. Can you please act like an adult and get your wound treated at the hospital?" I was exasperated. He was being incredibly childish.
Neil let out a soft grunt, leaning back on the couch, his hands hanging loosely by his sides. He looked tired, but there was a hint of a smile on his lips, "Is it too much to ask for you to admit you're worried about me?"
With that, he let out a sigh and closed his eyes. I wasn't sure if he was just resting or if he had really passed out.
"Neil?" I called out.
He didn't respond, his face growing paler. My heart pounded. Could he be dying?
"Neil? Are you asleep?" I asked louder, but still, he didn't answer.
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