Disrepair

Chapter 9

Morning comes, and Sai is awoken by the loud, usual tone as the news broadcast starts. She opens her eyes and sees the usual reporter, the headline a bit fuzzy as her eyes haven't adjusted to it yet.

"Good morning everyone" a new reporter says nervously. "There's been some changes lately, and some updates I'd like to give you all. Uh, well, to start the toxic gasses have been dispersed thoroughly. I'm sure you all know that by now. Let's see...the lab where the gas has originated from, while in ruins now, has been rebuilt at another location. In that research facility the teams have worked hard on producing a cure to this plague, which will also be dispersed across the city. There's some further news...(she clears her throat briefly), it's also been confirmed that nearly everyone who worked at the old site has been killed. Dr Satola is confirmed dead since he has not been found anywhere, leaving any trace that he may be alive. And his assistant, who police were also looking for - Kylie Enderson, is also deceased. Funerals for the lost researchers will be held in the local cemeteries as soon as the cure is used. (She looks off screen towards the others in the room, asking if there's anything else she forgot to say. She's handed one other sheet of paper.) The last note for this morning - the mayor, and many in the city, have voiced their thanks to a smaller and newer group who has been helping others during this hard time. Their names won't be specified for their privacy, but we just want to thank you all for your help. That'll be all, thanks for tuning in."

"It'll be over soon" Sai mumbles as she rolls onto her side, facing the couch.

Back in her bedroom on the nightstand, Sai's phone starts to ring. It doesn't wake her up, and it rings for a few more minutes. About an hour later, it rings again, this time Sai wakes up enough to hear it. She gets up slowly and goes into her room, her vision is a little faded so she can't read the caller ID. She accepts the call and falls face down on her bed.

"Hey sweetie, I'm just calling to say that Rose made it back safely. She told me about what happened there, and we're all hoping you're staying safe" her mom says. "Zoey and Nick really miss you, I do too. Whenever you can, and only if you want to, I'd like to see you again. I know what you told me the last time I called, but we only want to see you one last time. You left without a proper goodbye, and we don't want an argument to be our last memory of you. Listen, sweetie, I'm sorry for the stress I caused you. For all the pressure we put on you, it wasn't right of me. If you're still there, listening, I love you. Please consider coming back. Goodbye Sai, we miss you."

Sai turns her head to look over at her phone, she reaches out for it to bring it up to her ear, but the call ends before she can respond. Her body still tired, she lets the phone drop onto the bed. She puts some effort in and sits up, she rubs her eyes and calls her mom back.

"Hey mom, are you there?...Yeah, I heard what you said. Look, I um, can I come to visit?...When? Today if you're okay with it. The situation here got better since Rose left, things are going well and a cure is being made to the toxic gas. The airlines have been open, so I can fly out whenever...Okay, I guess I'll see you soon. Oh, and one quick favor, don't tell Rose or the others I'm coming...Yes, I know they'll be excited to see me. Goodbye mom, see you later" Sai says, then ends the call.

Sai gets up to shower, rising herself off fully, then she gets dressed. Choosing a shirt she used to wear a lot in the past, a simple pink T-shirt, she pairs it with some black dolphin shorts, wearing jean shorts over them for modesty. After putting on her hazmat suit and making sure she's fit to go outside, she calls a cab to take her to the airport.

Once there after maybe an hour of driving and traffic, she pays the fee and steps inside. A TSA agent brings her to the side to get in line. Sai is brought through into a sealed room. A mist is dispersed around her, disinfecting her suit.