It's the year 2038 and a deadly virus has consumed the world for more than 14 years.
In Denmark, an unknown politician took it upon himself to create a safe space from the infected. As long as you abide by the 8 Obligations, you are allowed to live...
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These last couple of weeks has been the worst in my life. The community is falling apart. People are scared. The Protectors still lingers not far from the Hostel. Simon is still on edge after Kaelie's pregnancy news. And to top it all off, Clary seems to be very annoyed with me all of a sudden. Without telling me the reason behind it.
I sigh and pinch the brink of my nose when someone knocks on my door. I take a deep breath before responding.
"Come in."
"Can we talk?" Simon steps into my office and closes the door. I guess I can't refuse this talk. He seems to be very determined.
"Of course. Is it about Kaelie?"
"Yes. Something is going on, Jace. And I don't think it's something good. Or maybe I'm just oversensitive. She won't talk to me at all."
"I think that is normal in her situation, Simon. Don't read too much into it."
"But... she just seems completely off. I mean she is really not herself."
"Of course, she isn't, Simon. She is pregnant. With a baby she fears having."
"I know... but..."
"No Simon. She is entitled to be different right now. She is allowed to be angry or sad or whatever she wants! This is hell for her, can't you see that?"
"I'm... I'm sorry..." he lowers his head and steps back towards the door. "You are right... I'm sorry..."
"No, I'm sorry Simon. I didn't mean to snap at you... I'm just on edge. Everything is going to hell in a handbasket right now. The pregnancy didn't come at the most opportune time..."
"I know... I'm sorry..."
"Stop apologizing. it's not your fault. Not even if the baby is yours."
Another knock sounds but this time the door is opened before I give permission.
"We need some more pain relievers out here" Clary says from the doorway without looking at me at all.
"Sure... let's see what I have left." I check the cabinet and finds the last box in our supplies. "Here." I hand it to her; she takes it and leaves.
"brrr... did the temperature just drop a few degrees in here?" Simon asks with a grin on his face.
"Yeah... she has been pissed at me for days... and I don't know what's wrong... She won't talk to me."
"Damn... that's cold... and somewhat familiar..."
"And we are back to talking about Kaelie, aren't we?"
Simon nods.
"I just know something is up. She and Meliorn has begun whispering together. And whenever I get near them, they shut up and glare at me..."
