“See that you do,” Nurse Harris said, her arms on her hips.
Kat turned away and ran down the hall, relieved to leave Harris and the smell behind. She went straight to her office and slammed the door shut. After a few deep shuddering breaths, she opened it again and called to a passing orderly.
“How can I help you, ma’am?” he asked, his expression harried.
“I’m sorry to add to your duties, but could you ask Sandi to come here right away?” Kat said.
“Sandi?” he said with a frown.
“You’ll find her at reception. She’s pulling a double shift, but I need her here,” Kat explained. “Sandi Green. Please, it’s important.”
“Alright, ma’am. I’ll find her for you,” he said with a brief nod.
“Thank you.”
The orderly rushed off, and she sank into her chair with a groan of relief. The pressure was becoming too much. Every day, something new cropped up, adding to her workload. Plus, with Callum gone, she found it harder to cope. Still, she refused to give in to her weakness and repeated her old mantra. “Not today.”
A knock on the door introduced Sandi, and Kat waved her to a seat. “Sit down, my dear. You look tired.”
“No more than you,” Sandi replied, taking the chair opposite Kat. “What’s wrong?”
“I’d do it myself, but I simply don’t have the strength,” Kat said.
“How can I help?” Sandi asked with an earnest expression.
“We need more orderlies down in the morgue. At least three,” Kat said.
“That will be hard, but I’ll see what I can do.”
“Right away, please,” Kat said. “Unless you want Nurse Harris rampaging through the infirmary.”
Sandi winced. “I’d rather not.”
“I also need Bruce to choose a site for a mass cremation,” Kat explained. “There are simply too many bodies piling up and creating a health hazard. We’ll also need wagons and volunteers to facilitate the process.”
“What about the families?” Sandi asked.
“I’ll see to them,” Kat said.
“Actually, I have a better idea,” Sandi said.
“I’m all ears.”
“Why not ask Patti or Moran to make an official announcement? Any complaints can go directly to the council.”
“It would add to their burden,” Kat said, “but we’re already stretched to the limits here.”
“Exactly. I’ll see to it right away,” Sandi said, pushing back her chair.
“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” Kat said.
“Your baby is the most important thing right now. You can’t afford to overtax yourself,” Sandi said. “Dr. Bloomberg was most insistent.”
“He spoke to you?” Kat said with a faint smile.
“He did, and I’m happy to help,” Sandi said. “In fact, why don’t you lie down for a bit? You could use the rest.”
“I could say the same to you,” Kat replied.
“I’m okay,” Sandi said. “I’m young and strong, and I’ve got Paul to help me.”
Sandi took her leave and left Kat behind with a sense of loss. Sandi was right. “I’m not so young anymore, and Callum isn’t here to help me.”
After a few moments, she shook off the morbid thought. Self-pity wasn’t her forte. Nor was sitting around doing nothing. She dragged a pile of paperwork closer and got lost in a maze of administration, enough to keep her business for hours.
It was early afternoon before Kat noticed a persistent cough. It grew worse until it wracked her entire frame. Gasping for breath, she pulled off her mask. Crimson blood speckled the cloth, and horror froze her to the spot. No. It can’t be.
She thought back over the past couple of days. Suddenly, the constant headache, feverish nights, and stomach pains swam into focus. What she’d dismissed as symptoms of stress, fatigue, and morning sickness was actually far, far worse. She had the Red Flux.
Epilogue - Seth
After a brief discussion, the group decided not to overnight. Instead, they’d push onward to Vancouver despite the danger. Tony and Bear took turns at the wheel while Jessica navigated. She knew the terrain close to the city, and they made good time despite the darkness. Fortunately, it was a clear night, and the vehicle’s lights worked just fine.
Throughout the long hours, Rogue never regained consciousness. She tossed and turned, crying out in pain at intervals. Her fever spiked, and her lips cracked with the fiery heat that radiated from within her veins.
Imogen did her best to treat Rogue with what medicine she had, but admitted it wasn’t enough. “It’ll buy her some time, but that’s it. She needs a hospital.”
“Then we’ll get her to one,” Seth said with grim determination.
He refused to budge from her side and watched her like a hawk. Every moan that fell from her lips hurt more than the last, and his desperation grew with each passing moment. Angered, he turned on Tony and Bear. “Can’t you go any faster?”
“They’re doing the best they can, Seth,” Imogen said.
“Well, it’s not good enough. If she dies…” Seth trailed off, and the words remained unsaid.
As ever, he found it hard to express himself. Words and emotions were difficult for him, but he couldn’t bear to lose Rogue. She was the only one for him. The love of his life.
He sponged her brow with a damp cloth and coaxed sips of water down her throat. He even ground up the antibiotics and painkillers Imogen provided into the liquid when Rogue couldn’t swallow the tablets anymore.
The world outside the van faded away until it ceased to exist. Nothing else mattered except for the struggle raging within Rogue’s body. He tried to convince himself she’d be okay. That she was strong and a survivor. But as dawn touched the horizon, he was forced to admit the truth. She’s losing the battle.
Finally, he just sat there, holding her hand. For the first time in years, he prayed. Please, don’t let her die. Please.
When Imogen shook his shoulder, he didn’t even lift his head. He ignored her, focused only on Rogue. A stinging slap in the face roused him, and he blinked with annoyance. “What do you want?”
“We made it Seth! We’re here!” Imogen cried, her expression filled with relief.
He jerked upright,
