Read Chapter 7: — STAY WITH ME

Ethan's first day as an unofficial volunteer driver was chaotic.

There was no organisation, no badge, no special lane. He simply opened the ride app near the hospital and accepted people whose destinations or messages suggested they were staff. When they got into the car, he told them to cancel the fare.

Some refused the free ride.

One nurse asked to see his driving licence before getting in.

"Good," Ethan said. "You should."

Another photographed his number plate and sent it to her husband.

"Also good."

By afternoon, Claire had added him to a staff messaging group. By evening, three departments knew about "the bloke in the silver estate car".

His passengers taught him small things. Do not touch the outside of a used mask. Disinfect door handles. Keep spare bin bags. Do not spray alcohol near ignition sources. Eat before leaving home because taking off protective gear in public created new risks.

At ten that night, he drove home exhausted.

Maya had made dumplings from a recipe they had learned together on holiday in Edinburgh.

"You look terrible," she said.

"That's marriage."

"No. Marriage made you handsome. Volunteering has made you smell like disinfectant."

He laughed, then leaned against the wall while she sprayed his outer suit.

After he showered, they ate in silence.

"How many?" Maya asked eventually.

"Eleven rides. Eight hospital staff. One cleaner. One elderly patient. One woman bringing food to her disabled brother."

"And you took all of them?"

"Dad told me not to decide who's worthy."

Maya nodded.

At midnight, the city council announced that all non-essential public transport would stop at ten the following morning.

Ravensbridge was closing.

Maya reached across the table and took Ethan's hand.

Neither of them slept much.