Virus

Chapter 19

Chapter 19

0 Days

15th July 2022

During the last few months Lucy had taken the role of my older sister, protecting me from the scowling doctors and helping me battle through my symptoms including the paranoia that kept me awake into the early hours of the morning. Today was no different. I woke up gasping and petrified but I couldn’t understand why. Even as I realised there was nothing to be afraid of, the fog of paranoia continued to worm it’s way deeper into my brain, plaguing it with false fear. I screamed out, but barely anyone bat and eyelash at my hysteric cries; I began to wretch my arm against the cold metal restraint desperately trying to break free but cuffs wouldn’t give and each attempt seemed to drill more fear into me.

Lucy came running into my room with an expression that was meant to calm me but her face looked alien and all I could see was malice in her feature. I shrieked and twisted my arm until my wrist was raw as I watched her inject something into my IV but after a few seconds, her cruel face morphed back into her gentle features and sweet smile. I took a deep breath as I waited for the sedative to leach away the fog clouding my brain and soon I found my self trembling against Lucy’s small hands.

“I just want to die.” I whispered and for once I wasn’t crying or screaming, I calmly looked up into the sad brown eyes trying to console me. “I’ve had enough, I’m ready to die.” I said firmly, meaning every word, I couldn’t take it anymore, not just the torture of my symptoms but the not knowing, not knowing where my friends were, if they were safe, I didn’t even know if they were alive.

“You don’t have long to wait, just a few more hours, then you’ll be free.” She whispered while settling me back under my thick blankets.

After Lucy managed calm me down, she begged me tell her my story of when I was on the run. At first I was hesitant, I didn’t want to relive the nightmares but I also didn’t want to remember the good times either, at least not yet. However the more I thought about it, an idea began to form in my mind and I gave up to her pleading eyes though I did have an agenda. “Wow.” She breathed, when I finished, looking slightly dazed.

“So Alex never came back for you?” She asked sounding disappointed.

“I’m glad he didn’t. I told him not to.” I said indifferently, but a small selfish part of me wished he did. Every now and then I would get a glimpse of random men from my hospital ward with his hair colour or similar face and every time my heart would race at the possibility but I was disappointed every time.

“But still, it would have been so romantic if he came to rescue you.” She sighed dreamily.

“That only happens in movies Lucy.” I sadly said, resigned to the fact. “Reality is, he isn’t coming back for me and I’m going to die in less than ten hours.” I said looking at the clock above the door, informing me that it was a few minutes past four a.m.

“Well, I will miss you Nat.” She said fondly, “You’re my favourite patient.” I snorted.

“I am honoured.” She brushed off my sarcasm.

“Agent Ross is coming to visit in a few hours, to say goodbye I guess. I think he has a crush on you Nat.” Now that made me laugh. “I know, I know you’re heart belongs to Alex.” She sighed. “Your dad and sister are coming too but they won’t be able to stay when the time comes.” She said gently.

“It’s fine.” I said relived. “I don’t want them to see me like that.” Lucy nodded sympathetically and as she clasped my hands I noticed the dark rings under her eyes.  “Wasn’t your shift over hours ago?” I asked.