Citizen Z

Chapter 34

515 days since the virus spread

A day passes

We've made it to the survivors camp.

You can't believe how relieved I feel that we're actually here. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I haven't felt this light since...well I can't even remember.

It doesn't feel real, it's almost too good to be true.

We all stay in a large tent together, which is equipped with comfortable and warm beds. Oh how I've missed a bed. It's something I've always taken for granted.

There's also showers with warm water. I have felt this clean in ages.

Frank is next door to our tent, he's being kept on his own just until they figure out what's wrong with him. He's constantly monitored by a doctor which gave me a bit of time to rest.

I needed some rest, I passed out as soon as my head touched the pillow.

We've each received a good filling dinner and a lovely warm shower which was great. All the people here are really nice and friendly. I really feel at home.

It's homey, I could stay here forever. Frank and I would be so happy here, I can imagine the two of us living here with Ray and Mikey next door. That would be wonderful. We'll be safe and never go hungry again.

I don't want to leave!

But my gut says otherwise, my senses are warning me that something's wrong here. I've been trying to ignore it and push it down, I just want to try and enjoy it, but my gut is usually right.

I'm extremely nervous about being around Pete and his guys. I'm extremely weary about everything.

It's too good to be true, here had to be something fishy going on here. I hope there isn't, it would crush Mikey. He's finally found a friend outside of our group.

I closely watch the doctor as she touches Frank. He's completely out of it, he's been asleep since we arrived.

I don't trust her, I don't want her hands on him. I sit on the bed with him, trying to be in the way. I question her throughly about every single thing she does.

Just in case.

Maybe I'm being paranoid?

I'm so use to being in survival mode, maybe I just don't know when to turn it down?

"Is there anything you can do for him? Do you think he will be okay?" I whimper, holding Frank's hand as the doctor takes his temperature.

I kind of feel like I have to be in the way to protect him. I want to be the one examining him, but Pete insisted that his doctor treats him.

She looks at thermometer and waits for the digits to pop up.

I wait anxiously.

"Well, I'm pretty sure he wasn't bitten. He's not getting sick or showing symptoms like others we had in here. He should be okay, but he does have a little bit of a fever, but nothing a few painkillers can't fix."

I nod and hold Frank's hand, feeling really relieved, but I still don't trust her.

"Are you sure? Like an hundred percent sure? I have some medical experience and I can tell you about his medical past. I treated him for-

"That's nice, but I don't really care about his medical past. I'll treat him the way I think, I'm pretty sure. Even if I'm wrong, we do have a second option. We've been developing a vaccine that could prevent him from turning, but we can't be sure. We haven't tested it yet," She says and checks the thermometer, "Yup, he has a fever, a bad one too. He's definitely sick. 105 degrees. Explains why he's so tired."