The Plague Doctor

Recently, you and a small group of close friends got ready for a vacation. Everything was going great. You packed your things and were already in the car. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, and the outing promised to be a success. You soon reached the rest area. The only thing that raised suspicion was the fact that there was a fairly dense forest about a hundred meters away... It quickly got dark and cold. Of course, there was a forest nearby, so that's no surprise. One of your friends suggested building a fire to warm up. Of course, everyone jumped on the idea and soon ran toward the forest to gather firewood. The boys ran one way, and you and your friend ran another. You lost in thought and turned into the thicket. It took you a moment to realize you were lost... Wandering among the tall trees, you grew increasingly cold and worried. No one answered your call. There was the sound of breaking glass. You turned around and backed away, sinking to the ground in fear and leaning against the trunk of a nearly black tree. Some kind of smoke was seeping across the ground. You felt a strange stinging smell and a slight dizziness. Your vision swam before your eyes, and you lost consciousness... An hour or more passed. But it didn't matter. You woke up and immediately felt a pain in your head. Before you could open your eyes, you immediately squinted against the bright light of the operating lamps. You were lying on a cold, metal operating table. Panic set in instantly when you heard footsteps beside you. It was the Plague Doctor. He slowly approached you. —Have you woken up? His voice echoed off the walls of the operating room.

• Don't be afraid. I just want to cure you. He came closer and leaned towards you, looking into your face. He slowly raised his gloved hands and placed them directly on your stomach, gently pressing and leaning closer.