2032: End Days

Chapter Two: Concerns of a Doctor

One Month Later, October 2031:

The past month has been a little scary. Of course, when the vaccines were first developed, some conspiracy theorists had theorised that the vaccines weren't safe, that they would be used to somehow control humankind, but, no-one really believed it...

That was, until recently...

Some small-town doctor stole some of the vaccine, a really small amount, totally missable, and took it to their home lab for analysis. 

Dr. Garcia's P.O.V, September 2031:

"Dr. Garcia?" The burly nurse chimes from outside the doctor's room while knocking on the door.

"Oh!" Startled, Dr. Garcia jumps in her chair, clambering to regain composure as she almost knocks over her vials. "Yes, Adam?" She calls in a highly-strung voice, bringing her vials closer to her in attempt to hide them from the prying eyes of others, before freezing to stay perfectly still to ensure her own silence; her activities and suspicions must be kept hidden until she can confirm the truth.

"Aren't you supposed to be leaving now?" Adam opens her door a little, peeking his head through the opening.

"Oh, umm, yeah..." She clamours, turning slightly to ensure her work is hidden, facing Adam now, "I'm just finishing up some extra work right now. I'll leave soon, though." She gives him a slight, wary smile.

"Ah! You're always working so hard ma'm, you should try to get home on time for once," Adam affirms, nodding his dark, combed back hair as he finishes.

"Adam I told you, call me Jessica, we've worked together long enough now." Jessica responds, much more calm and collected now, feeling safer as Adam hasn't noticed her work yet. "Anyway, don't worry about me, I just need to make sure this gets done." She smiles, "You go on ahead home now and have a nice dinner with your family."

"Okay Jessica, will do. My regards from my husband by the way, he's so grateful for all of your help to this day. We wouldn't be the same without it!"

"Of course, Adam! Anytime." Jessica gives him a bigger smile, her heart still hammering in her chest, "I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Yep, 6 am on the dot," He smiles back, giving a little wave as he speaks, "See you then, ma'm!"

"Jessica!" She forces a small laugh, "See you later!"

Jessica remains unmoving in her chair, barely breathing as she listens to the sound of Adam's footsteps fading away down the hall and exiting the building. 

It's too risky to study this, in here. She decides, hastily packing and cleaning up after herself, leaving no trace of her activities.

Having carefully placed everything in her bag, she attempts to make her escape, following her usual ritual; clean the surfaces, turn off the lights, lock the doors.

She makes her way through the building, keeping her head down so as to avoid any attention.

"Good evening Dr. Garcia!" Tyler, one of the housekeepers and a kind, soft man of about 54, calls after her.

"Good evening Tyler!" Jessica calls back to him, clutching her bag straps as she walks hurriedly through the corridors.

Finally, she is free, as she exits the large, automatic, glass doors, approaching her car.

She drives home, still anxious and panicking slightly, always checking her mirrors, and double checking that her bag remains in place.

Parking somewhat haphazardly in her driveway, Jessica hurries out, slamming the door and locking the car as she walks swiftly to her home, bag clutched tightly in her hands.

"Welcome home, honey," Heather calls upon hearing the door open.

 "Mm, I've missed the sound of your voice" Jessica says, leaning against the door, breathing in the sound of her partner's voice.

"Honey, has it been a rough day?" Heather asks, coming to meet her at the door.

"Mm..." Jessica nods, eyes still closed. "But... I got it."

"What?"

"I got it." Jessica repeats.

"It? You mean..." Heather trails off, her face laced with concern, "How? Are you okay? Did anyone see you?"

"I think it's all okay... Or I hope so." Jessica opens her eyes, looking at Heather directly now, "I have an old friend who I found out was working in storage and distribution, I asked him for a tour... To help me reassure my patients, you know? They left the room for a little bit and... Well, here we are."

"Wow, okay... And no one saw you?" Heather asks again, fear lacing her voice.

"I don't think so, but we'll see. I have no choice but to do this, so it doesn't matter right now. I just need to get this done as soon as possible."

"Well... Have you eaten? I can't help much with what you're doing right now, but I feed you at least..."

"I haven't, but I would love to." Jessica gives her a slight, tired smile, moving to embrace her. "Thank you for being so amazing, and for supporting me in this, instead of telling me I'm insane," She stands on her toes, placing a light kiss Heather's forehead, "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Heather pulls Jessica into her, hiding her face in the crook of Jessica's neck "So much."

"Now, let's eat?" Heather asks, slightly muffled by her lover's neck.

Jessica laughs, "Yes, let's eat."

The couple move to the kitchen, hand-in hand, Jessica trailing slightly behind, tired and distracted by today's events.

Please, please let everything be okay. Please, prove my suspicions wrong.