Citizen Z

Chapter 6

473 days since the virus spread.

The very early the next morning.

I look back down at Mikey, who is still out. His forehead is drenched in sweat and he is slightly shivering. His body doesn't know what's going on.

I put a cool wet cloth on his forehead to break his fever. I rub his cheek with gently with my thumb, hoping it would help.

I've tried everything, but without the proper medication he's going to a long night ahead of him. At least he's still alive.

Looking over my shoulder, I see Frank is laying asleep behind me on the floor. He's beautiful face is relaxed as he sleeps, he's holding on my one pant leg.

I face Mikey again.

He's so pale and skinny. He looks bad to be honest, I don't remember him looking this bad.

Mikey should be okay.

I just feel everything is is overwhelming and nothing is going according to plan. I feel like I can't control my life. Or just plainly anything at all.

I lay back down next to Frank, putting my hand over his waist. He immediately lays closer to me, snuggling himself up in my chest.

"How is he doing?" Frank whispers softly in my ear, kissing my cheek once.

"He going to be alright. He's just worn out from all the pain he has to tolerate. I gave him some of the morphine."

"Well, you look exhausted. Try and get some rest. We'll talk about what we're going to do in the morning. I love you." He whispers and kisses my forehead.

"Frank." I whimper and softly sniff once.

I can feel myself wanting to break into million pieces.

"Hey, hey, what's wrong?" Frank says, putting his hand on my cheek, wiping away my single tear.

"I don't know what's wrong with me, but I'm so scared, I'm so..." I say with my lip quivering, "I don't know what else to do, everything is getting away from me. I don't know what I have to do to keep everything in balance, I'm just so scared. What if I can't help him, what if he gets worse? I'm so scared."

"I know," he says kissing my forehead, "What ever happens, I'm by your side and I love you, angel. Nothing can change that, okay? Remember that. Everything will work out fine, the way it should and it's normal to feel scared. I understand that you're stressed out by all the things going on. Just remember, tough problems don't last, tough people do and you're a tough cookie, okay? Just try to get some rest that we can get somethings done before we leave. You'll need your rest."

I nod and he wipes another tear off my cheek.

"If you ever feel like you need to talk, just tell me, okay?" He says kissing my cheek, "I love you so much, my angel." He says, kissing my forehead.

He rests his head on my chest and almost immediately falls asleep. He holds me around my neck with his soft hands.

"I love you too." I whisper, kissing his forehead.

"I know you're worried about him, so I'm going out to look for some supplies in the morning, so don't miss me too much when I'm gone okay. I should be back at noon." He says softly.

"Thank you," I whimper and kiss his forehead, "Just be safe, please."

"Always." He says and kisses my cheek before laying back down in my arms.

I rest my head on his and try to fall asleep. I wrap my arms around him and gently caress him with my thumb.

***