Day 1: In Health and Sickness Part lll

George entered the room where Ashley was. She looked very distressed because of the pain caused by the wound, and it was obvious that they barely had enough resources to take care of her.

—Hey there! —George greeted, being accompanied by Nikolai who lay down on one of the beds next to Ashley's. George asked permission to sit on one side of the bed, which the young woman agreed to. —I'm George Tennyson, I'm a paramedic and today I'm in charge into taking care of you. Do you agree with that? Of course you do! In no time you'll be able to walk again as if nothing happened! —He took out of a backpack a package with bandages, hydrogen peroxide and also a brown mixture that had a very curious smell.

George Tennyson—You must be one of the civilians that Jason was talking about.... Ah... —Ashley shifted uncomfortably, as she wanted to stretch her leg but was afraid to do so.

—Oh, yeah? And what did Jason say? —He asked curiously, laying the materials on a white sheet away from Ashley's leg for fear of infecting the material.

—He said that Nikolai came to the rescue of a couple of guys who were on the roof of a coffee shop, and that he needed some help. Right now when we need a doctor... apparently God heard my prayers... eh... It sounds stupid, I know.

Ashley felt kind of silly for saying that, so much so that she looked to the right side of the bed, trying to avoid making contact with George's confused face.

—A lot of people lose faith in situations like that. I for one am not a believer, I consider myself as an atheist. However, that doesn't stop me from helping other people, although I'd appreciate it if you'd thank me... instead of God.

—Oh, all right! Still... having the support of someone in the health field is certainly beneficial to the group. We don't know how many can get hurt... or get sick. Tell me... How did you end up on the cafeteria roof?

George smiled at the question posed to him.

—My husband, Michael, and I were surrounded after robb-ah-taking things out of the pharmacy. Apparently some of them are too fast... and I've noticed they never get tired. I think I might do a study on these things to analyze their behavior and weaknesses. —George put the cotton ball with some of that brown solution on Ashley's wound. —It will hurt a little. It's disinfectant.

—I can see that, eh... and your husband... Did he make it? Did he...? OH FUCK!!! AH, DAMN IT!

—I told you! We made it, both of us, but not all the people we encountered along the way. Many people died in front of our eyes... now my husband is probably grumbling because he doesn't want to stay here. I like the idea of having a place to be, and sharing my knowledge to help with everything that comes in the way. It's in my nature to help others.... —George seemed quite content with the fact that he could even attend to Ashley.

—I think if you talk it over with your husband... you could come to an agreement. We would love for you to stay and also for the two of you to have a place to rest. We believe it is our duty to get to the bottom of this matter, and if we can help anyone in need while doing so...

—Getting to the bottom of this matter... that's... an interesting way to put it.... Forgive me for asking, but what do you know about the situation? —George seemed to find something peculiar in the way Ashley addressed him.

—Not much... we don't know what caused it or why people came back from the dead. All I know is that Vallimorth is completely infested... the only way to survive is to escape.

—My city... reduced to this... if we are the last survivors, I will try to convince Michael that we should stay, and then I can help as many as we can. We have to come up with a plan to get out safely. I know exactly what we need...

George had a flash, almost like an answer to his woes, or most of them.

—In Black Card Plaza there's... there's a gun store. We'll be able to take some and then we'll have something to defend ourselves with. We could put somebody in charge of them once we get them. I know it's risky, but it's better to be prepared, don't you think?

—Excuse me, I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. Did you say there's a gun store? —Nikolai asked since he heard part of the conversation.

—There is. There are all kinds... rifles... shotguns, pistols... they even sell tactical suits and uniforms. I've seen your friend, Jason, and believe me, it's more comfortable in a police uniform than walking around in a sports uniform that also looks pretty heavy. It gives more mobility and flexibility.

—Excellent! George... I'll talk it over with my friend Jason. Maybe we'll go out together and see what we can get. It sounds great to have weaponry. Although we have to put measures in place...we don't know if the danger now will be in the shelter, or if some crazy person decides to do something, because people here believe it or not are tired, and we've all seen horrors. Do you think we should keep it quiet, George? Ashley?

—Jason knows how much I hate guns...he knows... and the fact that I might use one to survive sickens me, because it goes against all my principles... I joined the Gun Prohibition and Distribution Committee because while guns don't shoot themselves, I think you'll agree with me that they are a means to cause harm. My friend, Mackenzie... she was a survivor of a school shooting, and that's why I joined the Committee.

—If that's the case, we should be cautious with the weapons and put them in a dedicated place for them. Maybe a storage room or a place away from most civilians? —George commented.

—We'll ask Megan where that might be. She's a worker at the Vallimorth Shopping Mall, and I'm sure she must have keys to these rooms. I can ask her...

—But with her that would be four people who know about this... it's okay, in the end you say she saved us, right? I'll trust her judgment. —George grumbled.

George finished helping Ashley and successfully changed her bandage. Now she could lie down better. On the other hand, he also removed some glass debris that was buried deep inside her.

—I will talk to my husband about the situation.

Nikolai decided to accompany George, and it was there that they found Michael and Jason, talking in the cafeteria.

—George! —Michael happily greeted Michael, hugging his husband.

—Michael! I'm finally finished. The girl is doing much better. I guess... I guess this is goodbye, Jason, Megan... we should go, right Michael?

George commented somewhat sadly, and frightened by the fact that he would have to go out and face the terrible world out there.

—Who said that? George, my love... we are going to stay and help these people. Is that okay with you?

Out of excitement, George hugged Michael and kissed him on the cheek.

—I think it's great! All right, guys. I hope my paramedic skills will come in handy. We have plenty of medicine at the moment, but we know we'll run out if anyone gets sick.

—They will be! Jason opened my eyes to the situation. I want to... I want to apologize to you, George. I was so blinded by jealousy, jealousy that strangers protected you more than I did, jealousy that I wasn't enough for you and.... that others pulled you out of the danger I put you in...

—Michael...

George hugged Rogers, caressing his cheeks.

—I'm so sorry I yelled at you and put you in danger, and I'm so sorry I didn't ask for your opinion, because our relationship is a relationship of two, you and me..... I don't know what I'll do if you're not by my side, and that's why I was afraid, I was afraid, George...

—I'm terrified too, Michael... and I can barely handle this, but believe me... we'll make it together, with the help of these people.

—Oh George... that's why I fell in love with you. Thank you for forgiving me and being so patient.... You don't get mad at this grumpy mechanic?

—No, I don't get angry... How could I? Let's get some rest, lie down, talk... and sleep, at least for a while. I need to take a nap! And a shower too, although I doubt there are showers in this place...

—Showering these days is the least of my worries.... —Jason commented, saying that he hadn't had a shower for three days now.

It was uncomfortable, but they all laughed when they heard that.

—Do not worry, Jason... I need a shower since water haven´t touched my body in two days —Nikolai said so Jason would not feel as a weirdo. —I think in a near future shower will be a privilege.

—Don't skip toilet paper! That will be the real privilege. —George said.