The Last Victor

Chapter 25

Infected - Part 4

After taking a nap for a couple hours, I force myself out of bed to clean up.

For the the first time since I've gotten sick, I take a look at myself in the mirror and my heart sinks a little.

My face is pale and sickly, my eyes puffy. I look the thinnest I have in my life, to the point where my cheek and collar bones stick out under my fragile skin. My throat is scratchy from throwing up so much and my skin-tone is ghastly, expect for the spots covered in rashes.

I honestly look like I've aged ten years.

Carefully, I bend down over the sink and splash some cold water on my face to cool down my growing fever.

When I'm done, instead of heading back to bed, I make a beeline for the kitchen. This is against Pax's wishes and my better judgment, but I can't help it.

I need fresh air. And if I'm in that bed for a minute longer I think I actually might go insane.

Pax is sitting at a small table in the center of the room. I look down, taking note of all of his papers scattered carefully across the floor. He's hard at work, mixing different kinds all chemicals throughout blood samples of mine, and doesn't seem to notice me walk in.

"Hey." I clear my throat as I smile weakly at him.

His head snaps over in my direction as his gaze rakes over the length of me, taking in my appearance.

"You shouldn't be out of bed." he answers.

I wave a hand away at his concerns with a small laugh. "I'm fine."

He gives me a look and I roll my eyes at him.

"You know what I mean. I just need some fresh air, okay?"

He seems hesitant at first but eventually nods his head at me in compliance.

"Any updates?" I ask as I take the seat across from him.

He taps his pen furiously against the table, deep in thought.

"Still the same." he answers.

He fidgets with the brim of his glasses until letting out a hefty sigh.

"These virus cells are insane." he blows out air through his lips while leaning back into his chair, "They are breaking down your immune system and at this rate will continue to until it's almost completely destroyed. In order to reproduce, the virus is inserting it's genetic material into your DNA cells, but this process is quickening too much for me to be able to contain right now."

I try to follow what he's saying but he's talking too fast for my spinning brain to comprehend.

It didn't matter though because I already know the odds.

And I know that that they aren't very good.

For years scientists have been trying to find a cure to this infection, my dad included, but to no avail.

I have nothing but love for Pax, but let's be real. He has no equipment at all and has been given only days to figure out a decade long issue.