"I'm here. I spotted you, Ariana. I'm beneath the tree opposite you,"

Calvin replied.

Receiving Calvin's message, Ariana glanced up and discerned a figure standing across from her beneath a tree. Completely concealed, Calvin wore a mask, a hat, and sunglasses despite the warm weather. He was also draped in long sleeves.

Approaching him, Ariana remarked, “You're overly wrapped up. There's no need for such tight covering."

However, Calvin shook his head in refusal, firmly keeping his hat in place.

Throughout this period, he had refrained from venturing outdoors or even glancing at his reflection, as seeing his own image in the mirror would evoke profound regret.

Respecting Calvin's decision, Ariana refrained from pressing the issue and simply nodded, walking with him.

As they progressed, the villa came into view. Ariana moved forward to ring the doorbell but received no response.

After a brief wait and with the door remaining unopened, Ariana contemplated making a call. Just as she reached for her phone, the door creaked open slowly.

A chilly gust emerged from the villa's courtyard, prompting Ariana and Calvin to shiver involuntarily.

Cautiously peering inside, Ariana noticed the absence of anyone in the yard, creating an eerie ambiance.

Meeting Calvin's gaze, Ariana exchanged a glance with him before pushing the door further open and stepping inside.

"Hello? Is anyone here? We have an appointment for surgery this afternoon," she said.

But there was no response.

Ariana frowned, entertaining the thought that she might have arrived at the wrong location. As she prepared to confirm their whereabouts, Calvin, pushing the door to the villa open, said, “Ariana, the door isn't locked. Take a look."

Approaching, Ariana observed the drawn curtains within the dimly Lit interior. Arrayed before them stood numerous human mannequins and wax figures, evoking a sense of dread.

Instinctively recoiling, Ariana suggested, “Perhaps we should depart. It's plausible that we've made a mistake."

Suddenly, a hoarse voice from behind startled her.

"Who are you?"

Ariana spun around, encountering an elderly man wearing a white coat and a gas mask.