The person who entered the room was Fred Meyers, whom I had been trying to meet. Accompanying him was Mr. Meyers, who had given me a ride.

Fred and I locked eyes for a moment. It had been four years, and he looked older. His once jet-black hair was now salt-and-pepper, and he appeared slightly leaner.

He gazed at me for a while. "Is it really you, Ms. Chloe?"

"Fred, it's me! Chloe Hartz. Long time no see!"

I felt somewhat self-conscious about my current state.

"You need to lie down! Lie down!" Fred walked over to the bed, and Atlas quickly got up to make room.

"Ms. Chloe, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I'm truly sorry," Fred said, sitting beside the bed.

Atlas signaled to the other Mr. Meyers. The two of them exited the room, leaving Fred and me alone.

I was excited and exclaimed, "Fred, you're being too polite! Seeing you makes this entire trip worthwhile. It's my fault for dropping in like this. I had no other way to contact you and couldn’t meet you at your company!"

"