“I’m not ready to say goodbye to you,” she said, blowing her nose.
Alex put his arm around her. “Who says we’re saying goodbye? I might be one of the ones who recovers. You never know, Em. We have to think positive, darling. Look, let’s just enjoy today, this minute, right now. Because right now is all that really matters isn’t it?”
She dabbed her eyes and nodded. “I love you, Dad,” she said.
“I love you too, darling,” replied Alex, “but I’ve got no intention of going anywhere just for the minute.” It wasn’t a lie either. If he fought, if he battled while ever he had a breath in him, then it wasn’t a lie, because he had no intention of leaving his family.
The two of them went back into the garden, by which time Mike had brought a big pad and easel outside, along with the Pictionary board game. The afternoon whizzed by. They laughed, they had another barbecue at dinner time, and then they all managed to fit in a family film before the electricity cut at eight p.m. like it had every night since the first week of the quarantine. There was still plenty of daylight for the children to navigate their way to bed. Alex read them both a bedtime story, which he hadn’t done in some time, but all three of them enjoyed it. When he was finished, he returned downstairs.
Mike had brought the two thirds full bottle of vodka they had been keeping for special occasions out of the freezer. This was the wrong kind of special occasion, but if ever they needed it, it was now. He placed three tumblers down on the coffee table and poured healthy measures into each.
The three of them took a healthy glug each before reverting to sipping. “So, I’m guessing you were told to keep an eye on me,” said Alex.
“We were told what signs to look out for,” replied Mike. “I won’t believe this is the end. If anybody can fight this, Alex, it’s you.”
“I’m afraid it doesn’t work like that, mate,” replied Alex. “It’s not who’s the fittest, who’s the best fighter. That might help you fight off the infection for longer, but the rest of it is a coin toss.”
“We’ll see,” replied Mike.
“So, have they given you some instructions? Have they told you what to do?” asked Alex. “I’m not going to give in, I’m going to fight and fight, but if this thing does take me, I need to know that you guys are protected.”
“We’re getting a visit tomorrow morning. They’re sending someone around with an info pack and some medical equipment,” said Mike.
“Okay, that’s good,” said Alex. “Listen, you’re not going to like this, but it’s important. There’s a padlock and hasp in the toolbox. We need to fit it to my bedroom door, just in case. You can’t watch me twenty-four-seven, so it’s just for everybody’s peace of mind.”
“No,” replied Emma. “No, we’re not locking you up like a wild animal, it’s undignified.”
“Sweetheart, undignified or not, it will keep the four of you safe, just in case.”
“I’ll go put it on now,” replied Mike.
“Mike, no! How can you?” said Emma.
“Em, this isn’t about Alex. Alex will protect us with his last dying breath. He will fight, I know he will, because he’s promised us he will. If something happens, it’s not Alex we’ll be dealing with. It will only be for the times we can’t watch him. Alex is right, we can’t risk the safety of Sammy and Jake.” Mike got up and headed out of the room.
Emma started sobbing, and Alex went across to sit with her. Placing his arm around her, he kissed her on the head. “Shush, darling, it’s all going to be okay.”
“No it’s not. Nothing will be okay. Nothing will be okay ever again,” she said and burst into a flood of tears.
The two of them held each other, and despite the fact it wasn’t that late, they drifted off in the comfort of each other’s arms. They jumped a little when Mike came back in. Alex immediately focussed on the screwdriver he held in his hand. If he had only plunged the one he had used earlier in the day straight into the creature’s head, and not its back, none of this nightmare would be happening. “All done,” said Mike.
“Right,” said Alex. “Right then. I might just call it a night,” he said, getting up.
“But you haven’t finished your drink,” said Emma.
“It’s been a long day love. You and Mike finish it.” He bent down and kissed her on the forehead, then headed upstairs. Mike followed him.
On the landing, the two men looked at each other. “I’ve put a bucket in there in case you get caught short in the middle of the night.”
Alex let out a small snort of laughter. “Thanks, son. Always thinking ahead.”
“I’m sorry, Alex. I’m so sorry,” said Mike looking like he was on the verge of tears.
“There’s nothing for you to be sorry about. Sometimes things just don’t go to plan, that’s all.”
The two men hugged tightly, and Alex stepped into his room, closing the door behind him. He waited, then came the sound of the padlock being slid into the hasp and clicked shut. He was sealed in now. Granted, the door opened inward, and from what he’d gathered, these creatures had no reasoning capability, but nevertheless he felt the family had greater safety with it than without it.
He went across to his bed, undressed, put on his pyjamas and slid under the covers. The cool cotton felt good against his body. In fact, he felt good. He had enjoyed a wonderful day with his family, and whatever laid ahead, he would deal with it. All he wanted now was to sleep; to sleep, and for the ‘pins and needles’ sensation in his arm to ease off for a while.
chapter thirteen
Day 213
The pins and needles came and went all night, and Alex could not swear to it, but he thought he might be getting a cold on top of everything else. A knock came on the front door just after they had finished breakfast. An attractive young nurse accompanied by two soldiers stood there. “Can I help you?” asked Alex, a little taken aback by the sight.
“Mr. Munro?” asked the nurse, with the hint of an eastern European accent.
“Yes.”
“My name is Zofia. I believe my colleagues told you I would come today, yes?”
Alex looked confused for a moment, then he remembered, “Ah, yes, yes, that’s right.” He looked at the two armed soldiers then back towards Zofia. “Erm, I have two children in the house. The guns will scare them, are they really necessary?”
Zofia unclipped a walkie-talkie from her belt and pressed a test button. There was a loud beep. She depressed the speak button and said, “Radio check,” to which there was a piercing shriek of feedback from the radio strapped to one of the soldier’s belts. The gate had been left open and Alex could see the cab of the ambulance where a driver picked up a handset.
“Reading you loud and clear, over,” said the voice.
“Erm, thanks,” replied Zofia, “Over and out.” Zofia looked at the two soldiers, “I’ll be fine from here, I’ll let you know if I need you. She bent down and picked up a box, then looked at Alex and said, “shall we go inside?”
Alex ushered her into the hallway, gave one more look at the two armed bodyguards and closed the door. They entered the living room, and before the children had the chance to get excited by another visitor, Alex said, “Em, be a doll, take Sammy and Jake up to their rooms would you?”
Despite abundant protests from the two children, they were deposited in their room, and moments later, Emma was back downstairs where Alex and Mike were making small talk with the young nurse. Mike had made drinks and steaming mugs of coffee were sat on the table. Emma sat down. She had a nervous look on her face.
“Okay,” said Alex. “That’s the introductions out of the way. None of this will be easy to hear, none of this will be easy to discuss,” he said to Mike and Emma, “but it’s essential that if you have any questions, you ask Zofia. We are all in this together.” Alex looked towards the nurse and smiled. He saw a look sweep across her face. He wasn’t sure if it was pity or admiration, but it really didn’t matter. All he wanted was what was best for his family.
“Yes,” said Zofia. “I am here to answer questions. I am also here to give advice. I have brought information booklet and equipment,” she said, her accent slightly more pronounced than earlier.
Alex, Mike and Emma all looked towards the box. What kind of equipment was in there? They could only guess.
Zofia pulled a folder out from the box and retrieved a number of sheets from it. “Please keep these in a safe place,” she said. “These are essential phone numbers you will need. There is a key card that has a serial number you have been allocated,” she said, showing them a sheet with a credit card sized piece of plastic stuck to it. “This is your case number.” She pulled out a device from her pocket. It looked like a large mobile phone with a slot in the top. She placed the key card into it and entered a number. An electronic chime sounded on the phone. “It is now activated. Every four hours, you will need to contact this number,” she said pointing to a telephone number in bold type on one of the sheets. It is essential. If you fail to, the worst will be assumed and you really don’t want that,” she looked from face to face. She locked eyes with Emma, who looked the most scared. Eventually, she broke her gaze and took a sip of coffee.
“So, what should we expect? What time scale? What symptoms?” asked Mike.
Alex smiled, “Give Zofia a chance, Mike, she’ll get to that.”
Zofia paused in mid gulp and looked at the intense young man asking the questions. She put the mug down and smiled politely. “I understand,” she said and looked towards Alex. “This is a difficult time. I am here to answer questions. I will go through the essential items with you, then I will answer whatever I can.” She picked up the sheets again. “There is a helpline number on the sheets that will put you straight through to a member of the trained medical staff. If there is anything you want to ask, they will be able to help you, so don’t worry if you forget anything today or wish you had asked something you didn’t.” She looked towards Mike. “It is natural that you want to know and find out. It is good thing.” Mike sat back in the sofa, trying hard to remain patient. “This will be a stressful time for all of you, and we have counselling that is available over the phone or by video if you have a computer. Do you have a computer?” she asked.
“Yes,” replied Alex.
“This is good. There is a web address. You can enter using your key card number and there is live messaging as well. It’s important you use what is available to you. People find these things helpful.”
“I assure you, Zofia, we’ll use whatever is necessary,” said Alex trying to reassure the young nurse.
“This is good,” she said and smiled again. “Now,” she turned towards Mike. “Lots of variables. Lots. Some scratch victims turn after a few days. Some go into coma, then turn. But there have been cases of some going into coma and waking. This is what we hope. This is best chance of finding vaccine. This is what we hope for Alex.” She looked towards Alex and smiled. He could tell just by her eyes that it was the longest of long shots that he would wake, but any chance was better than no chance.
“What percentage wake?” asked Mike.
“We have no figures,” said Zofia, as if working from a script.
“So…”
“Michael,” said Zofia, “I cannot lie. It is tiny chance. But best chance to find a cure. This is why it is so important.”
“Thank you for your honesty, Zofia,” said Alex.
Zofia nodded and continued. “As far as symptoms, Alex, you will feel sensations of pins and needles maybe. Symptoms of cold or flu. Irritation to skin around scratch. I have cream and anti-inflammatory tablets for you. Sharp pains. You may feel disoriented. You may get very tired.”
“Understood,” he said, and just by thinking about it, the wound beneath his bandages suddenly began to itch.
Zofia started to look a little uncomfortable, and she took another drink of coffee. “In this box is what is called Reanimation Prevention Equipment. There are instructions on how to use it.” She turned from Alex and looked at Mike and Emma. From my heart, I hope you don’t need to, but…”
“It’s okay, Zofia,” said Alex calmly. “Say whatever you need to, love.”
“It is equipment to be used to stop the body coming back to life as one of the… It is very important it is attached when you believe Alex has stopped breathing. You may not have much time later, so you must act quickly. You should familiarise yourselves with the equipment and the procedure. I cannot stress the importance enough,” and right on cue, they heard footsteps from the bedroom above. “You have seen what these creatures can do, you do not…”
“They’re not creatures,” snapped back Emma. “They’re people. They were people.”
“Em, it’s okay, love. We know what Zofia meant.”
“No,” said Emma as a well of tears formed in her eyes. “It’s not okay. None of this is okay. All you were trying to do was help someone,” she said, swivelling in her seat to face Alex. “You were doing something brave and heroic and now...now,” she started sobbing, and Mike immediately went across and put his arm around her.
Alex gulped. He wanted to cry. He wanted to share her tears. The chances were good he was going to die. He wanted to stay with them. He wanted to protect them. He wanted that more than anything, but right now, he needed to be strong. He looked across at Mike and Emma and suddenly, they were two little kids. Alex felt heartbroken. It was unfair, but life was unfair. All you could do was deal with it. “Look, sweetheart. I made my choice. If I’d have run, I wouldn’t have wanted to live with myself. I did the right thing, and besides, I’m not giving up yet. I have every intention of fighting.”
“Yeah,” said Mike, squeezing his sister and kissing her on the head. “If anybody can fight this, it’s Alex.”
Zofia nodded, but Alex saw the sadness through her forced smile. She knew what the chances were. When Emma’s sobs had finished, she continued. Her voice was even softer now. “If the equipment is used, you need to phone the emergency number immediately.”
Emma was still dabbing away her tears, but Mike nodded, “I understand,” he replied.
“Does anybody have questions?” she asked.
“I’m good, thanks Zofia,” replied Alex.
Emma remained silent, while Mike continued to hold her tight. “Not right now. Thank you,” he said.
Zofia nodded and got to her feet. “It was nice meeting all of you,” she said.
Alex got to his feet too. “I’ll see you out.”
At the front door, Zofia turned. “I very much hope they don’t have to use that equipment. You are a nice man. You have a nice family,” she said and headed down the path with the two soldiers.
Alex closed the door, and leaned his back on it for a moment, just as he heard Emma begin to cry again. “Dear God,” he said looking up to the ceiling. “Please look after them.”
chapter fourteen
Day 219
“I’ll get the dishes,” said Alex, standing up from the table and collecting the plates.
“I’ll help daddy,” said Sammy.
“Thank you, sweetheart. Why don’t you three go and set the Monopoly board up,” he said looking at the others. “Sammy and I will get the washing-up done and then we’ll come and join you.”
“Why don’t you let me do the washing up?” said Mike.
Alex smiled. “I’m fine,” he said. Mike and Emma had been increasingly worried about him. He had seen their looks, he had heard their whispers. Over the last few days, he had been in a lot of pain. He had gone down a notch on his belt. He had felt weaker, and as if he had a constant cold. His throat was dry and scratchy, he tired quickly, but he kept fighting. He would not give up. This was his family he was fighting for. He would never give up.
He put the plates into the washing up bowl. There was virtually no waste these days. The portions had got smaller and everyone knew that they would have to be careful with every bean, every grain of rice. The water was still warm from lunchtime. He added a small dri
bble of washing up liquid and began to wipe. He brought the plate out of the bowl, inspected it to make sure it was clean, and handed it to Sammy, who dried it with a tea towel and placed it on the countertop.
“Love you, Sammy,” he said.
“I love you too Da…” she stopped as Alex brought another plate out of the bowl. “Daddy, you’re bleeding,” she said, looking a little panicked.
Alex suddenly felt something on his lip, and put his fingers up to just beneath his nose. He pulled them away and saw blood on his fingertips. “It’s alright darling, it’s just a—” He collapsed to the floor. There was an eardrum piercing scream from Sammy as his body hit the slate tiles, and the plate smashed into a dozen pieces. He tried to speak, but couldn’t. He heard feet thudding into the room, and Mike was the first one on his knees, trying to see if Alex was conscious.
“Alex! Alex! Can you hear me?” asked Mike.
Sammy continued to scream, and Mike shot a look towards Emma. “Sammy!” she said grabbing tight hold of her younger sister’s shoulders. “You need to stop screaming,” her voice was calm, she looked Sammy straight in the eyes. The young girl used up her breath and then went silent. Emma immediately guided her out of the room, and Mike got to his feet, grabbing a sharp kitchen knife from the draining board. He gulped.
“Alex!” said Mike again. There was no response, and as brave as Mike wanted to be for his family, he felt his hand begin to shake. “Alex!”
“I’m alright,” croaked Alex.
Mike let out an audible breath of relief. He put the knife down on the draining board and knelt down. “Thank fuck for that!”
“What did I say about language in front of the kids?” Alex rasped.
“They’re in the other room,” replied Mike, wanting to smile, but just feeling a little sadder that Alex was still trying to crack jokes, even now. “C’mon, mate, let’s get you up.”
Emma reappeared at the kitchen entrance. “Let me give you a hand,” she said, and the three of them managed to get Alex to his feet.
Safe Haven (Novella 2): Before Safe Haven [Alex] Page 7
