Page 78 of Night of the Living Manny
“No, he’s going to be worried, but you protected your sister. You did what you had to do.” He got her arm cleaned, then bandaged. Jesus, that was nasty and it wanted stitches, but….
Fuck.
Breathe. You have to take care of your family now. No running off in all directions.
“I’ll need your other arm, honey. I have to give you a shot. Make a fist for me.”
“Is it going to hurt?”
He didn’t know. He just didn’t. He didn’t even know if it would work. “Your dad says it has to go right into a vein, so I bet it stings.” That seemed fair.
“Yeah.”
They both knew that wasn’t what she meant, but they both decided not to say so.
He pulled out a syringe, then tested it to make sure it would push. Okay. Time for her shot. Make sure he had the vein, make sure he got it in one motion, please, God.
When he walked back into the containment room, she looked at him, her eyes bloodshot. “Hurry.”
Brenden nodded once, sharply, before wrapping a band around her arm above her elbow. “I need to see the vein, but then I’ll take this off.”
“Just do it. Please. Just do it and go.”
He hated this. She needed him. She was just a fucking kid.
“I’m going to do this and then go settle Britt and Peter. We got this, honey. I’m not gonna let you down.” He was going to cure her and get her dad.
“Just do it and go before I start crying.”
“I won’t tell.” He took off the band, his thumb on her vein. Then he channeled the kid who was a vet tech for a while and stuck the needle right in. Susanna hissed softly, her breath hitching in her chest, but she didn’t pull away from him.
He gave her the whole dose. “Okay. Try to rest. I’ll bring in some music and books.” He hated to lock her up, but he had to keep everyone safe.
“Just go away, please.” She curled up on the bed, and he heard her begin to sob softly. God, she was breaking his heart.
He padlocked the door, knowing he had to let her cry herself to sleep. Everything would slow down if she rested. He washed up until his skin was raw before heading upstairs.
Peter and Brittany stood there, waiting for him. “Where is she?”
“She’s in an extra room downstairs.” He raised a hand when they both drew breath. “She got bitten. She has to stay alone until the cure works. Peter, I need Susanna’s phone.”
“I don’t have it.”
He fought his sigh. “I know. Go get it, please? It’s plugged in somewhere in her room. I know this is hard, but we all need to work together.”
“Okay. Okay, I checked Britt and Moose. They weren’t bit.”
“Good one. Britt, can you come to the kitchen and help me get water and sandwiches for Susanna?”
“Is she gonna die?” Britt whispered.
“No. But if this is like any other virus, she’s gonna be really sick for a bit. We’ll make her soup later.”
“I’m so sorry! I just wanted to throw the ball.”
“I know, Britt.” He hugged her close. “I do.”
“I didn’t mean to. I swear. Please, tell her I didn’t mean to.”
