After the noise ceases and the door finally closes, she steps into the living room holding her bag. Her eyes are huge in her pale face. Jung is holding the tin of chocolates. On the table in the living room is a fairytale book, Hayley's favorite. She rushes to pick it up and keeps it tight against her chest. One tear slips free and tracks down her face.
“Miss Denning, did you eat any of these chocolates?” He asks.
“What? Why does that matter, now?” A seed of doubt is planting itself in the back of her mind, and she stares at him unable to speak.
“I asked you a question, Miss Denning.” He snarls at her. Summer shakes her head no.
“I will have food trays brought to you. You are not to leave this cabin. It seems there is a shortage of cabins.”
“How many others?” She asks. He shrugs his shoulders and moves quickly to the door.
“It is spreading quickly. I am immune to it, and in a few days, we will know if you are. If your symptoms show and you need medicine, ring for assistance. I am sorry for your loss.” Summer watches him go and doesn't move until the door clicks shut.
Her soul is fractured, and her dreams are gone. The weeping is relentless as she sobs for all she has lost. She falls to the ground and pulls her knees to her chest praying for the sickness to take her.
‘Read it back to me, Summer.’ Her father’s voice calls to her. Summer paces holding her journal and reads back the stages of the disease to him. ‘Something is missing. Patients are different, and each body reacts differently to this disease. It can change and mutate. We must isolate the patients and keep them in a sterile environment!’
Summer jerks awake to a sharp rap on the door. “Dinner, Miss.” The maid Annie steps back and waits for the door to open. Summer sits up slowly and realizes she is still clutching her bag and now her body is demanding she see to its needs. Bathroom, shower, food and rest.
Still, in shock, she moves through the empty cabin and opens the door to get her food, and her eyes connect with the same maid who let her in Jung's room. The hall is empty except for her friend. She smiles weakly at Summer, “If you need anything, Miss Denning you ring for me. You remember me, my name is Annie.”
Summer nods and softly closes the door as Annie locks it once more from the outside. The soup smells good, and her body demands fuel. Sipping on the broth, she turns on a light and sits on the couch. He left her here to see if she develops the disease. If she doesn't show signs soon, it will mean she is immune. Jung will be back when he realizes he has the old journals, not the new one.
“Bath, Summer. Follow the protocol. Sterilize, rest, and wait.”
She cleanses her body with hot water and soap and burns the clothing she was wearing. Fresh air calls to her, so she paces to the window and cracks it, inhaling the salty sea air into her lungs.
Exhausted and weary she returns to her bed and cries herself to sleep. For two days she exists in the cell her family died in. She eats, sleeps and waits for him to come to her. Her mind works best when she can make lists and Annie is as good as her word. She brings her paper and pencil and leaves it under her tray. Able to list all the details clearly on paper, Summer tries to piece together the timeline.
“How did this happen? It makes no sense, it’s all happened too fast!” She slams her fist on the desk and decides to write a letter to Alex and trust it to Annie. Money in hand she places the note under the dinner plate with her message. When the knock comes later, she waits for the sound of the lock being released and opens the door.
Dr. Rudolph seems surprised to see her well. He stares at her and steps forward, backing Summer into her room. “Miss Denning, how are you feeling this evening?” His intense gaze is daunting. Her long blonde hair is pulled away from her pale face and, other than dark circles under her eyes she looks strong.
“Let me help with that.” He removes the tray and hands it to Annie in the hallway.
“I am fine. No signs of fever or rash yet. Please tell me, what did you do with my family?” Summer inquires gently.
“I am sorry, Miss Denning, but the epidemic has spread throughout the ship. With so many dead, we had no choice but to drop the bodies out to sea.” Summer’s ears ring loudly as her soul screams in horror. She gasps and sinks to the sofa.
“No!”
His voice comes to her from a distance. “Your father bequeathed to me his journals before he passed. He demanded that I use the protocol, Miss Denning. It seems I am missing the final protocol. Where is it?”
“I, I... don’t know. He took it and had it locked in the safe on the ship. I am sure you understand why. He wanted to make sure it couldn’t be tampered with.” Summer answers hoarsely.
“Yes, of course, but I have already checked the safe. It must be in here, with you. It doesn’t have to be this way.” He sits close to her on the couch and reaches for her hand. “I am sorry for your loss. We can work together to save lives.”
Summer jerks back from his clammy touch in disgust. “I beg your pardon?” Jung sighs and stands up.
“Don’t you get it yet, Miss Denning, hundreds are ill, and thousands more will die if it
