What They Didn't Tell Us

Chapter 2 HIM

My eyes flutter open. I actually got some sleep. Not much. But some.

I get dressed and wander into the hallway.

The sun's cool rays enter through the window and light up the filled room. Everything in place. Just like always.

I sit down at the table. The feeling of loneliness is normal now. Nothing new.

Riiiiiiiiing. My watch sounds

I answer the HoloChat call.

"Hey, ready for your first day of work with your best friend?" Ryder asks excited.

"Umm, yeah. Just adjusting to it all," I say staring at the stacked boxes filled with my things.

I had just moved to LA a week ago to start working at Richardson Hospital. And I'm still quite nervous, I don't think I have enough experience for the job in particular.

To become a nurse you needed years of going to nursing school. Not 2 years of college, but with the virus everyone is needed.

I sigh.

Thankfully Ryder's been working there for about a year, so he'll show me the ropes.

"Look I know you're a nervous Nellie, but don't worry too much. It's a great place to work and believe it or not our efforts are going to help find the cure," he says compassionately.

"Yeah. I know. I'm just overwhelmed as usual." I state vaguely.

"Chrys, I know the date is coming up. It's pretty obvious you're thinking about it. I don't want you in that headspace again. Okay? It wasn't your fault."

"...I know", I answered back remembering that dark day.

I was hoping he wouldn't bring it up. But I guess he sees through me.

"Anyway, are you on your way out now? We should grab a coffee before work."

I smile. I haven't found my coffee machine in the boxes yet, and I've had a huge urge to get some coffee.

"Totally. What's the address?"

"Not sure but it's about a block away from your apartment. I saw it when I was leaving from helping you with your boxes. What do you even have in those boxes? They are super heavy. Did you bring your house with you?" Ryder asked jokingly.

"No, but I know you brought that useless cotton candy machine when you moved," I say rolling my eyes.

"Hey, that thing has potential! We can have some serious sugar rushes whenever we want to!" Ryder says, defending one of his most prized possessions.

"Yeah, right after you fix it."

"I'll get to that soon. First we have to go to work. Meet you at the coffee shop. Text me if you can't find it."

"I prefer not getting lost. I'll just use Zoogoo Maps, but thanks." I say right before I hang up. I actually wouldn't mind getting lost and not watch people suffer with this virus. But I have a job to do.

I grab my keys from the counter and drape my bag over my side. Time to go see my best friend and save some lives. And get some coffee!

...

"Finally! Took you long enough," Ryder says.

"Yeah, Zoogoo isn't too helpful when you don't have the name of the place. And walking does not help you go any faster, either." I say sarcastically.

It was not too bad of a walk. It was nice to get a feel of the area I live in. I had passed by nice, orderly apartments that tower over you. And others that were not as carefully taken care of. There were plenty of cars rushing to work, but nothing like it was before the virus. I saw some people walking with masks, but not everybody does. I don't. I won't have to wear one for work either since they have advanced disinfecting rooms.