After dumping the "problem" of Chen Shi and freeing himself of the burden, Brian felt completely at ease, as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He turned casually and, by chance, caught sight of the University Hospital next to the school. A bright image flashed in his mind, and a soft smile appeared on his lips. After a moment's thought, he began walking toward it.
University Hospital
Located in the central area of Zone G, it was one of the most important places in the entire quarantine zone. Every day, countless doctors and nurses were on duty, along with numerous specialized technicians and soldiers receiving treatment. Even some relatives of high-ranking government officials lived here permanently, undergoing long-term medical care.
Especially after the quarantine zone stopped researching the Cordyceps virus vaccine, all the experts and precision instruments from the Medical Institute had been relocated here, fully integrated into the medical team.
As a result, military soldiers patrolled the area around University Hospital 24 hours a day. Security was extremely tight, out of fear that key personnel or high-ranking officials' relatives might come to harm.
When Brian entered the hospital's main lobby, he saw only a few patients waiting in the reception area, aside from doctors and nurses moving through the hallways.
But he wasn't surprised. Besides the fact that it was nearly noon, like other clinics in the quarantine zone, few ordinary civilians could afford to come here for treatment. Only those with some connections or influence could access it.
Brian checked his watch. He estimated that the lunch break wasn't far off. Instead of going straight up to find someone, he sat down in the waiting area and waited quietly.
During the wait, he kept glancing at his wristwatch and at the two elevators in the hospital: one exclusive for medical staff, and another larger one designed to carry hospital beds. Both elevators went directly to the upper floors, closed to the public. Two soldiers guarded the entrance, prohibiting unauthorized access. Ordinary patients were limited to the first two floors, accessible only by stairs. The stairwells leading to higher floors were locked with heavy iron doors and also guarded by soldiers.
The staff-only elevator saw doctors and nurses coming and going, but the person Brian was waiting for still hadn't appeared.
—Strange— Brian murmured, frowning as it neared 12:30. His gaze remained fixed on the elevators.
Perhaps he'd been there too long without any sign of seeking treatment, making him seem suspicious. A soldier patrolling the lobby noticed his unusual behavior and approached.
—Sir, good afternoon. Please show me your ID.
Hearing the voice, Brian startled. Turning, he saw an armed soldier eyeing him with suspicion.
He realized his behavior was odd. He gave himself a light slap on the forehead, smiled, stood up, and pulled out his ID.
—I'm military. Just waiting for someone.
Seeing the military seal, the soldier relaxed slightly, gave a few security reminders, and walked away.
Once the soldier was gone, Brian sat back down. Just then, he saw a familiar figure step out of the elevator.
But as he prepared to call her, he froze. His brow furrowed deeply.
Unlike the last time, when Sarah had been cheerful and radiant, now she walked with her head down, not even noticing who was ahead of her, moving forward in a daze, completely lost in thought.
Noticing her state, Brian grew concerned. What was wrong? He slowly stood and walked toward her, calling gently:
—Sarah.
Sarah, lost in her thoughts, flinched at the voice. She slightly lifted her head, glanced left and right, but saw no one. She thought she'd imagined it. A shadow of disappointment crossed her face, and she kept walking.
—Sarah!
At the second call, Sarah stopped dead. She lifted her head fully and looked around. This time, she'd heard it clearly.
Her eyes searched. When she turned and saw Brian approaching, she froze. Her face lit up with unmistakable emotion. She ran toward him.
—Whoa! Slow down!
Brian caught her in a tight embrace. He held her close, gently stroking her smooth hair with affection.
—Don't rush off.
Sarah wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging to him, unwilling to let go. She rested her head against his broad chest. The worries and sorrows of the past few days vanished instantly. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly safe.
They stood embraced in the hospital lobby for a long while. Though not unusual, they drew curious glances. When staff recognized Sarah, the nurses on break began whispering among themselves.
—Ahem… ahem…
Noticing more and more people watching, Brian, though unbothered, felt slightly awkward being stared at like a spectacle. He cleared his throat, patted her back, and whispered in her ear:
—That's enough. You don't want to stay here all day, do you?
Sarah, still savoring the warmth, lifted her head. Noticing the stares, her cheeks flushed. She gently pulled away, took his hand, and led him out of the hospital.
They walked into a small park nearby. Because it was closest to the hospital, the quarantine government had preserved this area as a relaxation zone for patients and medical staff. After all, no one could spend 24 hours a day inside the hospital. They needed moments to unwind.
In the park, Brian picked a bench at random. Though it had some dust, after years of crawling through the outside world, he didn't care.
As he patted the space beside him, inviting her to sit, he noticed her warning glance. He remembered she was wearing her hospital white coat. Embarrassed, he scratched his head, thought a moment, then extended his leg, making a gallant "please" gesture with his hand.
—Pfft!
Sarah covered her mouth, giggling. Without pretense, she sat sideways on his lap, wrapped her arms around his neck, and leaned her head against him.
Brian held her slender waist. Though she seemed more at ease, he could tell it was only surface-level. After a pause, he asked softly:
—If something's bothering you… you can tell me.
—…
At those words, Sarah stiffened. She knew her state had been noticed. She sighed, not hiding anything. She needed to confide in someone.
She looked toward the hospital entrance she'd just left, as if recalling something.
—Brian… do you know why I chose to become a doctor?
Answering with a question, Brian wasn't surprised. He simply followed:
—Why?
When Sarah said she wanted to be a doctor, he'd been surprised. But since the profession was useful in the post-apocalyptic world, he hadn't interfered or questioned her further.
—Because of my sister Sylvia…
Sarah lowered her gaze, staring into Brian's caring eyes.
—I watched her die right in front of me… and I couldn't do a thing. I hated myself so much for being so powerless. That's why I became a doctor. I hated that feeling of helplessness.
—Plop… plop…
As she spoke, tears began to fall from her eyes without her realizing. They slid down her cheeks, landing on Brian's hand. Her face was filled with unmistakable sorrow.
—But when I finally became a doctor… that helplessness only grew. I saw people brought into the hospital… and I personally covered them with white sheets. I told their families… that they were dead. I couldn't save them… I couldn't… sniff…
Hearing Sarah's heartbroken sobs, Brian felt a deep ache in his heart. He didn't know what to say. He only held her tighter, gently patting her back, trying to soothe her pain—just as he had comforted her when they were children.