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“Mr. James, you know that the virus is an invisible bad guy who has no control over what it touches. You’ve done excellent with your recovery and we’re thankful that you’ve proved to be the first person to have had luck. Other patients have had some similar positive reactions, and some have had no response what-so-ever. But we need to be sure that you are taking care of yourself. Kendall will need that, she will need you to be all of you. She will need your strength and positivity for when she comes out of this.”
“James!” A loud voice booms across the space.
I turn and see that the Colonel is standing roughly twenty feet away, a far enough distance to consider as safe.
I stand up slowly and latch my hand onto my IV pole to face him.
“Sir?” I acknowledge.
“Care to fill me in?” He commands.
“Well, what are you looking to be filled in on sir? I’ve been out of commission for—” I look over to the doctor for the answer and he flashes me his fingers. “I’ve been out of commission for a few weeks.”
“Exactly. I’m glad to see that you’re up and about, I think that’s a win on our side.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “Either way, I have news and it looks like we’ll be getting out of here. We’ve been granted access to the University of New Mexico has a holding site, there is a nearby hospital as well to aide with everything. The medical program will also be of assistance, so we can have round the clock care. All individuals who are in this store have been granted this access and we will be moving at daybreak.” He smiles proudly as if it was all his idea.
26
Levi
The move from the giant store to a giant tent close to the hospital on the UNM campus was a smooth process. The place is equipped and I’m happy to see that there’s not too many people hanging around. Everyone who was in the store came to the new location for a two-week quarantine and also have been put on the new trial.
So far, there’s only been six more people who have contracted the virus. There’s another group of people in this space with us, but I haven’t been briefed as to who they are and neither do I care at this moment.
Kendall hasn’t improved, but the good news is that her status hasn’t declined. I haven’t left her side and don’t plan to until she opens her eyes and smiles at me. Hell, I don’t even need a smile, I just need her to open her eyes.
While it took me two or so weeks to get past the worst of the virus, we’re coming up on almost four weeks, and I feel almost better. My body is lethargic at times, and I do cough a little more than I recall doing so, but overall, I’m better. The doctor still checks me daily and is continuously pleased with whatever he writes down once he’s done with me.
My unit and I are sitting around outside the medical tent for a meeting and I’m sitting about ten feet away from everyone. I’m trying to not cough, but it’s residual and I know that it’s freaking out some of the guys.
“We will remain here at UNM for the time being, consider it as a fourteen-day quarantine. Everyone here as taken the latest trial vaccine, but if anyone begins to feel any symptoms, you are to report them immediately. Sergeant First Class James, can you please come up and discuss the virus and your experience?” the Colonel asks.
I slowly stand and make my way to the front. I put my hands in my pockets and look at everyone.
“The virus is no joke. While I don’t remember any of my time while in quarantine, I’ve witnessed what it must have been like and can explain from that. One day, I was fine. The next morning, I was sweating balls—I mean I was sweating a lot. I had a high fever and was having issues with breathing. I wasn’t feeling myself, somewhat out of my body and dizzy at all times. What I have seen has been body temperature spiking through the roof and then dropping significantly, issues with breathing and having to be on a respirator because you’re not able to breathe on your own. But eventually, that vaccine that we were given, fights for you and you come out of it.”
“How does it feel?” Someone asks from the back.
“Painful. Like you’re crawling out of your skin, you’re not sure whether or not you are making movements, noises or anything, but you try. Think of it as having no control over your body and that you’re screaming for help, you’re clawing your way out and no one can see it, no one can hear it. You don’t win, but you suffer. You drown in yourself.”
“Levi! Levi! Where’s Levi?” I hear someone calling me and I look around, not seeing anyone until the shape of a woman comes up behind the chair that I was previously sitting. “Levi! Kendall!” she gasps from running around.
My eyes widen, and the worst of the worst comes into my mind. I say nothing to my unit or my superiors as I bolt in the direction of the medical tent. I run past beds, doctors and nurses and come to see Kendall, sitting up in her bed. With her eyes open. Wide open and looking directly at me.
27
Kendall
They removed the tube from my throat and sat me up slowly. My body feels numb, and I’m terrified to speak, knowing that my throat will burn from being intubated for however long.
But I did manage one word to the nurse after taking a small sip of water.
“Levi.”
It wasn’t long before, he is at my bedside, takes my hand and kisses it several times with tears in his eyes.
“Please don’t talk yet, it’s going to feel like shit,” he tells me.
“Can we just continue our work up on her, and make sure she’s okay?” the nurse asks from behind him.
