Lost & Never Found (Part-3)

Another sleepless night went by, but instead of staying plastered in bed, he =decided to pull his chair closer to the window and watch the sky. Although he can't see the sunrise through the window, the view is mesmerizing for sure. The facility was close to the ocean and a private beach is nearby so he could have a perfect view of the sea, birds, and trees; the sunset through his window can really pull anyone out from the gloomy colors of misery to the vibrant life of lights. Every now and then he'd see a few birds flying away, the sun still only half rose and the birds looked as if they're shadows of the birds. He put up his legs and hugged them, rested his chin over his knees; something was different about him, his eyes weren't blank like other days.

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He got off the chair and pacing slowly across the room. While other times he'd be drowning himself within the books, he wasn't going to do that at the moment. There's a sort of determination within his disposition as if he had taken a big decision; he was determined. It was still very early in the morning and for the first time in a long time he was restless; instill to see-through about the decision he took. Yes, he was very sure about his decision but it made him tensed; his entire being was shaking but he wasn't going to back off.

The ward usually came by around 6:30 in the morning, expected to see the tongue-tied patient in bed staring at the ceiling; the ward was slightly taken aback when he saw him pacing around the room. For the first time in three years he saw a little bit of life in this odd patient and that made him somewhat happy or hopeful. As usual, the ward asked him how he was today and he always got a vacant look from him.

Odd Patient: When can I see the doctor?

The ward was more surprised than usual as this was the first time he talked; other times he'd just scream or grunt but this time he talked. Even in his astounded form, he managed to reply.

The Ward: He'll be here by 8 to 8:30. Why don't you have your breakfast and sleep for some time before he comes?
Odd Patient: Okay, I'll do that. Thank you.
The Ward: No. Thank you.

The ward left the odd patient in his room; he was happy that this lifeless man decided to change after all. He was going to tell the attending doctor about this; the attending doctor would pay him a visit before his assigned doctor came in. He told the doctor about what happened and he immediately paid him a visit. The doctor opened his door and found him (the odd patient) in his chair; he looked at the doctor when he came in.

The Attending Doctor: Good morning. How are we feeling today?

He was observing the doctor for a few minutes. Even the doctor could sense there were some changes in this man's behavior.

The Odd Patient: Has Dr. Aldrigde arrived? I want to see him.
The Attending Doctor: No, he's not here yet. Mind if I check your vitals.
The Odd Patient: No problem.

For the first time in years, this man was showing signs of life and the doctor wanted to know more about him but he didn't want to pester him. Dr. Aldridge is a great doctor and he'd know what happened to this man on that island. The doctor looked at the puzzle box; he heard about it from others that he kept it hidden most of the time but it was on full display at that time.

The Attending Doctor: I thought maybe we should get introduced. I'm Dr. Finnigan. May I know about you?

He didn't reply. He was thinking and waiting. The doctor thought if he talked to him then he might know more about the reason behind his meltdown.

The Attending Doctor: What a marvelous piece of a puzzle? Have you managed to solve it?

The man looked conflicted as if he was battling with himself over something.

The Odd Patient: Not yet. I don't know if I can.
The Attending Doctor: Why not?
The Odd Patient: I don't know. I'm not sure if I want to know anymore.

The doctor sense the helplessness in the man, he wanted to help him but he wasn't sure how.

The Attending Doctor: May I take a look?
The Odd Patient: Sure, have a look.

The doctor took the puzzle box in his hands; he hadn't seen anything like this before. He squinted his eyes trying to read the inscriptions but they were in a language he didn't know; he was twisting and turning the thing over and yet couldn't open it.

The Attending Doctor: Okay, this one is rather complicated. What do these inscriptions mean?
The Odd Patient: I wish I knew, doctor. I'm still as clueless as I was the day I found it.
The Attending Doctor: I'm sure you'll figure it out. Maybe if I knew about it more, I could help.

The man laughed.

The Odd Patient: Dr. Finnigan, I never meant to find it. I was on my to another island when a cyclone thrashed me over there. I have lost myself there and over this puzzle box.

He was still lost but now with a hope of finding or being found.