Transmission -[Containment/Jake Riley]-

FIVE

"Here, you need to put this on." Dr Cannerts handed me a full hazmat suit as I walked through the hospital doors. It looked scary, but at least I was going to be protected.

Dr Cannerts led Jake and I down many corridors. Even the depths of this hospital were like a maze. Eventually we found ourselves looking into a room full of rats. "These rats are our hope in finding a cure or even a way to slow down the progression of the virus. We've identified the disease as H7N2, an influenza much like the bird flu." Dr Cannerts explained. Suddenly, I felt a wave on panic hit me.

I couldn't control the rapid heartbeat or shallow breaths I was experiencing. Tears filled my eyes as I slid down the wall across from the room. I was having a panic attack, or so I thought. And I didn't know why. It wasn't until Jake put his hand on my cheek that I began to regain control.

"Hey. Lyla. Look at me. Look at me." Not knowing what else to do I looked straight into his eyes.

"Officer, 4-6 feet away please." Dr Cannerts acknowledged. Jake took his hand away, not breaking our stare. My breathing returned to normal and and my heartbeat slowed down.

"See? You're ok." He reassured me. I nodded, thinking about what had just happened. I got up slowly, going back to my position standing next to Jake.

"There's a young man within the cordon that has allegedly been infected. Seeing as you're the only officer here, you're needed to bring bring him in." Transporting the infected was always a dangerous mission. There was always that risk of getting the disease. I could tell that Jake was very reluctant to accept this 'mission'.

"What's the address?"

"Major Carnahan will fill you in." The doctor walked off as we followed a few metres behind. Even though Jake was practically a stranger, but I felt extremely uneasy about him going after more infected people.

"I'm going to drop you to my apartment, ok? If you're thinking about it, it's not safe for you to come with me." I was going to contest to his orders, but to be honest, I'd probably lose. Plus, I wouldn't mind being by myself for a bit.

It was around lunch time when Jake dropped me off. There wasn't much to do as all connections including wifi were cut earlier. I found a few books that looked interesting so I figured I'd read one of them. It doesn't have a title, but so far I can gather that it's about a little girl who gets lost in the woods, and is raised by wolves for the next 10 years.

It's been at least 5 hours after Jake left, and I've finished the book I was reading. Trying not to worry, I wander over to the fridge to look for something to eat for dinner. There's nothing in the fridge but there's two-minute noodles in the cupboard next to it. Oh well, if I'm hungry, I'll eat it. I ended going to sleep just after dinner, keeping my mind away from the possibilities on why Jake hasn't returned yet, as it's now 9pm.

7am, the next day, and still no sign of Jake. Once again, I remember what I said about not knowing him that well, but I still cared for him. I have no one outside the cordon and I'm pretty sure he has no one either. I second guess leaving the safety of the apartment, considering I'd have to walk the 5 blocks to the hospital and without a hazmat suit, as it had to be left at the hospital. I tell myself it's going to be ok. Jake is strong and knows how to take care of himself. Reassurance is the only thing stopping me from walking to the hospital.

It's now been 3 full days since Jake left. My hope is diminishing rather quickly and I'm running out of food. What if he got infected? No. Maybe he's just caught up in orders and couldn't come back yet. Or maybe he got shot. My thoughts go in and out of thinking positively and negatively. What if he isn't coming back? Would I be screwed as well?