Recovery (Amnesia Sequel)

And We Go

Tessa was taken out in the back of the school to be 'departed'. That's what they called it. But we all know it was just to get a knife but through her skull. They buried her in the back. There was a small ceremony held early this morning, but I couldn't pull myself to go. I can't look at Kat right now. She's too broken. 

I sit in my room with Josh next to me, explaining my plan for the cure. He studies me, as if he doesn't believe I'm being serious. He then says, "Alice, I know you love him, but it's not worth your life."

"It is," I say defensively. "Come on, Josh. You're the only other person I've told besides Melissa. I need you to back me up on this."

"The nearest hospital is miles upon miles away. We don't know what shape it's in. It could be blown up for all we know. When everything started, they started blowing up entire buildings. Hospitals especially."

"Josh," I say pleadingly. "I need to do this."

He sighs. "Fine. But I'm going with you. Several of us are. You're not doing this on your own."

"Mom would never let you go," I say. "Besides, you need to stay here to protect her. Dad is close to going crazy, and I can't afford to tell people he'll turn like James did. It'll scare everyone, make everyone untrustworthy." 

"What about Mom?"

"Amy can be here with mom . There are plenty of people here. Some can come with us, some can stay. I just need a few people. I need to do this. Now."

Josh clicks his tongue, thinking. "I'm going. I can get a few of the guys who are guards to join. We haven't had any problems with others yet, so I think we'll be safe for a few days with less of them. But we need to tell Dad this is strictly for more medical supplies. He here's you trying for a cure, he'll deny it. He's . . . I don't know. He's lost it."

"Thank you," I say. "I want to leave today."

Josh nods. "I'll go get a few of the guys. You go get Melissa and figure out what you need."

Josh goes one way and I go the other. I quickly slip into the nurses office and sit down in front of Melissa, who's studying a medical textbook. "Melissa, I'm going to the closest hospital. I need supplies. But you need to tell me what I have to get to figure it out."

"Dear, going to a hospital isn't going to help you with a cure. Only the CDC could work up some kind of magic, or some science center. I don't think a hospital will have what supplies you need."

That's not what I wanted to hear. 

Melissa holds my hand. "Go. Get as many medical supplies as you can possibly get. We're low after . . . After Tessa."

I can tell she's still mourning the loss of her patient who she worked tirelessly on for days to save. "I'll go. But please, try to do some research."

Melissa's face suddenly lights up. "Wesley!" She looks at me and smiles. "Wesley is a scientist. Or was. He might know something. I don't know if it's possible, or if he thinks it is, but I assure you he'd listen. He's your best bet. He's a guard, I don't know where he is right now, but he will go with you." She smiles. "Oh, Alice, I believe in you. I'll tell your father I need more supplies. He might throw a fit, but he'll allow it. Go, dear. I'll try everything I can to reverse his fever. He's got a few days left in him. But hurry."

I stand up and hug her. "Thank you."

"Thank you."

I give her a squeeze and then walk out, meeting Josh in the hall. He thumbs towards two men and a woman. "Alice, here's who volunteered." 

I'm introduced to the volunteers. A man who I remember as David, the guard who found our group. He's tall and thin, eyes fierce. He seems like a tough man. The next is Wesley. He seems to be in his late forties, a rather small man, but seems intelligent just by his greeting. Another man named Sam, who looks around Jose and Anne's age. Early twenties. He looks the fittest out of all, but also seems very genuine. The woman, probably late twenties, is named Sylvia. She's a short  Hispanic woman who seems worried about the upcoming journey. 

"Thank you all for coming," I say. "I'm going to get Jose to come with us and tell Mom we're going."

Of course, Jose agrees with coming. He gets several bags and the keys to the van and meets up with the group. Mom, on the other hand, is not so happy. "Alice," she cries, "I just got you back. Again. I don't want you going out there. It's too dangerous."

"I'm sorry, Mom. But I have to do this. Take care of Amy for us, okay? I'll be back soon. I love you." I kiss her forehead and then let her go, walking away from her. 

The last person I visit is Chris. He lays on the table strapped down with restraints. He's all alone, no one here to be with him. I sit down next to him, hardly worried or fearful. "Hi, love."

Chris looks at me, his face covered in sweat. "Alice," he smiles.

I kiss him. I hold his cheeks in my hand and start to cry. "I love you," I say. 

"Why are you crying, silly?" he asks.

"I'll be back soon, okay?" 

He sits up. "What? Where are you going?"

"I need to help out. I'm going to get some medical supplies."

Chris raises his hand and runs his fingers over the bruises on my throat. "I did this, didn't I?"

I grab his hand and kiss it. "I'm not going to let you turn, Chris."

"Alice, there's no stopping it." He lays his restrained hand back down, the ropes obviously causing discomfort. "I'm turning and there's no avoiding it. You, on the other hand. . ."

"Chris, I'm immune. And so is Kat. I don't have a fever. I had slight agitation, but it's gone already. I'm fine. You . . . I just need to help you. I'll be back in a day or two. Fight this, okay? For me."

"Alice, you're being ridiculous," he says. "Just stay with me until I pass. Please, that's all I want. I want to be with you."

"You're not dying," I say. "I'll see you in a few. Fight this, Chris. Fight this shit. I love you."

"Alice, no!" he says, reaching out for me. His restraints pull him back. "Alice! I love you. I love you and I can't lose you."

"Neither can I. If I die, we'll die together. I'll see you in the world above the clouds."

"Alice!" he nearly yells my name. "Please."

"I'll be back with the cure, sweetheart," I say. "I'll be back."

I wipe the tears off my face as I walk out of the room. I try to tune the sounds of his screaming out. It hurts my heart to hear his screams. But I'll be back. I know I'll be back. And I'll turn this around. I'll do anything to save him.

Josh gives me a curt nod and hands me a map. "Huntington Hospital we go."

I take hold of my brothers hand and follow the rest of the group out of the front doors. "Huntington Hospital we go."