Page 26 of Outbreak Protocol
"Less than the economic impact of uncontrolled pandemic spread."
After Colonel Santos leaves to brief General Morrison, Felix and I remain in the conference room, both processing the implications of what we've just shared with military command.
"Erik," Felix says quietly, "I need to ask you something."
"Of course."
"If this outbreak continues escalating, if containment measures prove insufficient, what happens to people like Emma? To families caught in the middle of something we can't control?"
The question cuts to the heart of why Felix chose emergency medicine over pathology—his need to see individual human costs behind statistical abstractions. A week ago, I would have deflected with epidemiological data about population-level outcomes. Now, after watching Felix care for Emma, after seeing his devastation when Anna deteriorated, I understand why the question matters.
"We do everything possible to protect them," I say, meaning it. "Statistics represent real people with families and futures. Our job is to remember that while making decisions that minimize overall harm."
"Even when those decisions require personal sacrifices?"
"Especially then."
Felix nods, but something in his expression suggests he's thinking about specific sacrifices rather than abstract principles.
"Felix, what aren't you telling me?"
"Anna's primary attending messaged this morning. Her condition is deteriorating faster than expected, her body is failing after the initial bout of resistance she showed. He suggested... he suggested I might want to prepare Emma for the possibility that her mother won't recover."
The weight of what Felix has been carrying today becomes clear. While I briefed international officials about statistical projections, he's been managing the reality of a child potentially losing her only parent during an unprecedented health crisis.
"What do you need from me?"
"I don't know. I've never had to help a child process something like this, especially while managing my own professional responsibilities."
Without thinking, I reach for Felix's hand. His fingers intertwine with mine, warm and solid and reassuring in a way that surprises me.
"We'll figure it out together," I hear myself saying. "Whatever happens with Anna, whatever decisions we need to make about Emma's care, we'll handle it together."
Felix's eyes search my face, looking for something—reassurance, commitment, acknowledgment of what's developing between us.
"Together," he repeats, and something settles in his expression.
For the first time since this outbreak began, I realize that my primary concern isn't epidemiological accuracy or international cooperation protocols. It's ensuring that Felix doesn't have to face the emotional weight of this crisis alone, that Emma has the stability she needs regardless of what happens to Anna, that our growing partnership—professional and personal—remains strong enough to sustain us through whatever we're facing.
The thought should terrify me. Seven days ago, I would have seen this emotional investment as a threat to professional objectivity. Now it feels like the only thing keeping me grounded while the foundations of infectious disease control shift beneath our feet.
"Erik?" Emma's voice interrupts my thoughts. "Felix? Colonel Santos said I could watch a movie in the break room. Will you come with me?"
Felix glances at me, and I nod. Whatever epidemiological data awaits analysis can wait another hour. Right now, an eight-year-old needs adults who care about her wellbeing more than statistical projections.
As we follow Emma down the corridor, Felix's shoulderbrushes against mine, a brief contact that feels like confirmation of something neither of us has explicitly acknowledged. We've become partners in every sense that matters—scientific collaboration, crisis management, childcare, emotional support.
CHAPTER NINE
Day 33
ERIK
The break room movie ends abruptly when alarms start blaring throughout the hospital. Felix's pager buzzes insistently, followed immediately by mine. Emma looks up from her colouring book, eyes wide with concern.
"Felix? What's happening?"
"Stay here with the nurses, sweetheart. Erik and I need to check on something."
