Read Chapter 22: — FEVER

Three days later, Ethan woke with a temperature of 38.2.

He stared at the thermometer.

Maya did not need to ask.

"Bedroom," she said.

"Maya—"

"Now."

They had discussed the plan weeks earlier. One bedroom became isolation. Separate towels. Separate bathroom times. Food left outside the door. Windows open when possible.

Knowing the plan did not make it easier.

Ethan messaged Mark and Claire. He listed every passenger from the previous forty-eight hours. The fleet removed him from duty immediately.

The test centre appointment was the next morning.

That night he developed a cough.

Maya sat on the other side of the bedroom door.

"Do you want tea?"

"Yes."

"Do you want me to panic?"

"No."

"Shame. I'm excellent at it."

He pressed his forehead against the wood.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For staying."

Silence.

Then Maya said, "Don't you dare rewrite the last month because you're scared tonight."

"What if I've given it to you?"

"Then we'll deal with that."

"What if—"

"Fear doesn't get a vote. Remember?"

Ethan closed his eyes.

The sticky note downstairs suddenly felt like scripture.