When the World Ends

23; Astrid

     "...and that, dear citizens is why I can assure you that the Elector is going to be just fine, and make a full recovery!" I conclude, giving a curt bow to them, turning away to the reception desk as they erupt into applause.  

Standing patiently beside the desk was a nurse, holding a translucent yellow clipboard near her chest. "Commander, do you know what's wrong with the Elector? There is much paperwork to fill out." I nod. "Wonderful," she adds, turning away. "Walk with me."

Following quickly behind, I explain what happened in as much detail as I could, considering I wasn't there in person - and it's been breaking news since it happened hours ago - I kind of expected her to know more. I finish speaking as we turn into an isolated room near the back of the main floor, where a different nurse is fitting an oxygen mask to Daye's face.

     "I'm not sure that's a good idea-" I blurt, staring down the nurse on the opposite side of the bed.

     "Oh, and why is that?" She asks genuinely, glancing back down at Daye, and then again at me.

Using what looks to be the last of his strength to push himself up in the bed, Daye lays back against the elevated mattress, turning his head to look over at me.

     "Because since we've left the apartment, he has coughed up blood twice. If his shirt wasn't black, you would be able to see it. Although, you can still go look outside on the sidewalk for evidence of the second time-" I walk over to the bed, gently removing the mask from his face. Offering a gentle smile, I add, "This might be the fastest way to oxygenate him, although I'm no medical professional, I'm sure it's not the safest."

I glance back at the nurse who brought me in, who nods. "Bring in a tank and nasal cannula. A cough to draw blood would have to be quite harsh. The commander is right. With as much as he is struggling to breathe right now, I'm sure he doesn't want something covering his face anyways." 

The second nurse nods her compliance, rushing from the room as the first nurse steps up beside the bed. "For the sake of treatment, do I have permission to call you by your legal name?" She questions, clicking a pen open in her right hand. Daye gives a weak nod, glancing at me. 

     "I know it's hard to see right now, but you're going to be just fine." I console, patting my hand on his leg just under his knee. "I'll be right here beside you until you feel better."

Daye sighs, causing a coughing fit to rack his body. Sitting up enough to double over, he sprays crimson across the sheet draped over his lap. The nurse standing beside me pauses the writing on her clipboard, setting it onto the table beside the bed. Leaning down, she gently, yet firmly takes a hold of his left shoulder and sits him upright, taking the sheet in her left hand to wipe off his face. 

     "How...embarrassing-" he rasps out. 

I feel awful. He genuinely looks to be on the verge of tears, out of frustration, embarrassment, pain. Probably all of them, honestly, and I don't blame him.

     "Besides the obvious, are you having any pain?" The nurses asks, tilting his head back to shine a pen light into his eyes. His emerald eyes shimmer as he shakes his head, swallowing hard. "Can you open your mouth?" She questions, moving the light down to his lips. He must have had a mouthful of blood, even after the coughing passed, because opening his mouth reveals red-stained teeth. 

Grabbing the clipboard, the nurse asks, "Where are you having pain?"

An irritated look crosses Daye's face, but he swallows again, closing his eyes. "My lungs, obviously. My throat, and I have a splitting headache."

I turn to look behind me, glancing around until I spot the control panel on the wall. Marching over to it, I slide the knob down, dimming the lights slightly. In the hall beyond the room, I see the second nurse running back, dragging an oxygen tank in a small metal cart behind her.