10 min...

A sudden chill crawled up my spine and covered my scalp in goosebumps.

“These are people, aren’t they?” I whispered. I grabbed the tablet and wondered which one was Daniel, Luke, Pat, Karen.

“Are these people?” I snapped.

“Oh God,” Shane cried and curled down on the floor as if he were praying.

“Yes,” Ileum said. “Those are people.”

“Which one...which one is Pat? No, never mind.” I whispered. “Please, tell me.” I said and handed the tablet back to the woman.

“The medication is wearing off,” the woman repeated.

It was like a punch to my gut. Even though I was pretty sure I already knew the answer, I had to ask. I had to be sure.

“What happens when it stops work entirely,” I whispered.

Shane cried louder. “Max,” he blubbered, “Max it’s my fault, man.”

Ileum rolled his eyes. “Jack. That’s what happens.”

“Jack?”

“Jack,” he said and marched past me. “Do we have access to Patient Z’s original strand?”