Verson University: School of Doctors

Chapter 14 - The Absence of Certainty

Chapter 14 - The Absence of Certainty

"Are you really fine, Samantha?" tanong sa akin ni Noah. He's been asking me the same question for how many times already. "Kahapon ka pa matamlay. You also have to take a rest."

"These papers need my signature, I can't afford to take a rest," sagot ko habang hindi tumitingin sa kaniya. I focused on signing and reviewing the papers sent to me.

"And we can't afford to make you sick."

"I told you I'm fine," walang emosyong sabi ko. He just sighed and went back to his business.

"You are so hard-headed," he muttered. Hindi ko siya pinansin.

I've been inside the office since last night. I haven't eaten any meals since yesterday. Hindi rin ako makatulog. I don't want to see faces but I can't avoid Noah since we're sharing this office. I have to distract myself and thinking about the events yesterday won't help me.

"Your friends would stay inside the military camp, diba?" he started another topic. He just can't keep his mouth shut. "I heard they are not allowed to go out until the training is ov—"

"I have to check the infected myself," hindi ko siya pinatapos at tumayo. I grabbed my lab coat on the rack and wore it. Tinali ko rin ang buhok ko. "The nurse from the main lab would come here to send me the results. Please handle it for me."

"Sure," alanganing sagot niya. He must have finally realized that I don't like talking to anyone right now.

Lumabas na ako ng office. Para akong bampira na nasisilawan sa sinag ng araw na nagmula sa glass windows. Being in the office all night made me realize all the meals I skipped. Nahihilo ako dahil wala rin akong tulog.

My co-researchers told me that they'll handle the infected so there's no need for me to check them personally. But the office seem so stuffy and Noah is being nosy. I don't want to face people but I guess there's no other choice.

Mabagal ang aking paglalakad papunta sa Main Laboratory. I'm not feeling well. I should eat something later.

The main laboratory is pretty far from the main building. Kahit nahihilo, nagawa ko pa ring maglakad papunta roon. When I got there, everyone is busy as always. Binati nila ako at ako'y ngumingiti lamang.

Sumalubong sa akin ang mga taong nakasuot ng lab coat. There is an assistance desk on the right corner na binabantayan ng mga nurse. I'm guessing that everyone here are interns and students.

I also studied the structures of every buildings present in this institution kaya alam ko kung saan itinago ang mga infected. Dumiretso ako sa elevator at pinindot ang fifth floor.

Access denied.

Kumunot ang noo ko. This floor is only limited to the professional doctors and researchers at bawal pumasok ang mga interns. Well, I'm still new here kaya siguro hindi pa ako pwedeng pumasok. Being the head researcher is not an excuse.

Tumalikod na lang ako. I decided to eat at the cafeteria. I must talk to Sir Blake about this matter later.

Nang makarating sa cafeteria, binigyan naman ako agad ng pagkain ng mga naninilbihan doon. I was surprised kasi ang dami ng binigay nila sa akin.

"Kasi maam, wala ka sa listahan ng mga nag-hapunan at nag-almusal kanina," sagot niya matapos ko siyang tanungin. Nagulat naman ako. Wow, they keep a list of the people taking their meals. Talagang walang bias dito. "Naku, ang putla niyo po! Kumain kayo ng marami."

"Thanks," sagot ko. Dahan-dahan kong sinubo ang pagkain at nilunok iyon. Wala akong ganang kumain pero pinilit ko ang sarili ko. I realized I can't afford to get sick. Ano bang pumasok sa isip ko at pinabayaan ko ang katawan ko?