Anastasia was confused and had no idea why her father had changed so much, but she was sure it had something to do with Rhea. Since she had nowhere else to go and no one to talk to, Anastasia could only turn to Lily.Lily frowned. She was too focused on Alexander, so she did not think much of it when Anastasia first called her. Hearing Anastasia again now, she thought there was more than met the eye. Lily thought about it and asked, “Where are you now? What’s your exact location?”“I…” Anastasia looked around her and said, “I’m in front of a boba tea shop on Maplewood Street. Lily, I don’t know where to go. If I go home, my father will surely tell someone to lock me up. I…”“Stay where you are. I’ll get someone to fetch you,” Lily said quietly, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll settle you down first, and we’ll talk then, okay?”“Okay!” Anastasia answered obediently. “Thank you—”Before she could finish, Lily had already hung up.She did not need Anastasia to thank her, and it was rather dan
Lily poured herself a glass of water and got hold of herself after gulping half of it down. She took a deep breath, still haunted by the nightmare scenes. She understood that the virus would affect everyone even if it did not turn people into monsters.Take the situation in Burnkwen, for example. The pandemic was severe, and the governments there had implemented lockdowns in different areas to stop its spread but to no avail. Sometimes they don’t even know how it happened.‘We have detected and contained the cases early, but who knows if it’ll worsen? Furthermore, finding a cure is tough since everyone responds differently to the virus.’Lily no longer felt sleepy as she massaged her temples. Still, her heart sank as she thought about those tormented by the virus. She got dressed, left her room, and went to where the patients stayed.She did not go in and stood outside the seemingly stifling partitioned room, where she watched for a moment. The little girl was awake, sitting on the
It was a simple question, but it seemed too hard for her.“No, I only had my mommy...” The little girl’s voice was soft and yet wrenching. Lily took a deep breath and tried to smile more naturally. “How could you only have your mommy? You have me, and the doctors and nurses here all care about you a lot, okay?”Hearing this, a smile returned to Debbie’s face. “Okay!”As she nodded, two slow, noticeable trails of red liquid ran from her nose to her upper lip.Shocked, Lily snatched a tissue from a box to wipe them off. However, the girl showed no discomfort and stared at what she was doing with widened eyes.“Debbie, your nose’s bleeding!” Lily said this in alarm as she palmed the girl’s forehead with one hand and wiped the blood with another. However, the blood soon soaked the tissue paper. She took another one to stop the flow, but the same thing happened... …Over and over again…Lily pressed the nurse call button, and the medical staff soon came and were shocked to see
Having remained quiet on the side, Dr. Morris spoke, “The government started building the vaccination center a long time ago, and I think it should be operational by now. I heard the tender process had been completed, so I assume it will be very soon. They have also rounded up the specialists in that field, so I’m sure they’ll step up the prevention of the spread of the virus.”‘This is no doubt good news!’Lily grew calmer and asked, despite herself, “Have they already developed the vaccine? Is it reliable? Has it gone through clinical trials yet? Are there any data on its side effects and adverse reactions?”Dr. Blanc shook his head. “I’m not sure since it’s a different department. However, vaccines would have to go through several stages of clinical trials before they could be used. Anyway, I’m only telling you this so that you know everyone is working hard, and it’s not you alone.”“I know you’re eager to find the cure, but don’t get too anxious about it.” With a soft sigh, Dr.
“It shouldn’t be a big issue,” Dr. Blanc said. “How could it not be? Although we’ve taken safety measures, we still don’t know much about the virus, not to mention that it is highly mutable. If we don’t contain it well, it might spread and…”“This is a rather special case. When he was discovered, professionals around him took full safety measures, and I believe those in close contact with him did the same. However, for safety’s sake, we’ll bring them back to the center for individual observation.”“Professionals?” Lily caught these words and frowned. “Are you saying doctors have accompanied the patient?”Dr. Blanc remained quiet for a moment, then slowly said, “You could say so.”Seemingly exhausted, he leaned his head back and shut his eyes. Lily wanted to ask a few more questions, but seeing him so tired, she pursed her lips and thought better of it. Besides having many questions, she also had a vague sense of foreboding that grew stronger and stronger…The ambulance stoppe
“I don’t understand why you couldn’t tell beforehand if you’re picking up Alex. Why couldn’t you just tell me? Patient number 58? A new case? What the hell was that about?” Lily questioned Dr. Blanc as she stared at him.She was distraught. ‘I understand if they discovered Alex and now want to take him away for quarantine, but why didn’t they tell me anything during such a long journey from the center?’Dr. Blanc looked at her deeply without a word.“Did you not tell me because you thought I wouldn’t agree to it and would relocate him in advance?” Lily guessed since she could not get an answer from Dr. Blanc.“Lily, there’s no need to dwell on it. You’ve stayed at the center for quite some time and know how special and serious the disease can be. I only didn’t inform you just in case—”“Just in case?” Lily was upset. “You simply don’t trust me! If you don’t, why do you want me to work for you guys? I shouldn’t even stay, should I?”“It’s not that we don’t trust you, but—”“I dis
“Please let us transfer Mr. Russell for his and the experiment’s sake,” Dr. Blanc persuaded.Lily looked away and did not answer as she struggled inwardly.It was as if, deep down, miniature versions of Lily were fighting each other. One side told her to disagree since Alexander would enjoy a better environment, service, and medical treatment where he was. The other argued it was better to have Alexander under proper quarantine since the disease was highly contagious.She just stood there, unable to decide.Dr. Blanc noticed her hesitance and waved at the workers to carry out their duties. At this juncture, a deep voice suddenly sounded, “Stop arguing. I’ll go with you.”Astonished, Lily looked over her shoulder and saw Greg pushing Alexander in a wheelchair. Alexander was wearing a hospital gown, a big mask, and a pair of goggles. He looked emaciated, weak, and haggard, with his cheeks hollow.However, none mattered to Lily because her husband had regained consciousness.‘He’s
Alexander smiled, nodded, and said, “I’m feeling much better.” After a pause, he added, The past few months must’ve been terrible for you.”He spoke simply and meaningfully. Since he was sick, he could no longer care for his wife and became a burden. He also learned more about Lily, even though he regretted being in this state.He always thought she was a strong, independent, and intelligent woman and that he was powerful enough to protect her. However, the sickness made him realize that he, too, could be weak and helpless and that he could also count on Lily to protect him.Between them, there was never a question of who was dependent. Instead, they always depended on, supported, and backed each other.“Don’t be silly!” Lily chided him softly. Growing calmer, she rose and looked at him, then asked seriously, “Have you thought it through? Do you want to go with us? You don’t even know who they are, do you?”‘He must’ve just come out from the coma not long ago. If not, they would h