Amelia

I spent hours lifting her arms and legs, and checking everywhere, twice. No scratches, none at all, outside that is. I opened her mouth for any sores she might've had, but none either. The back of her throat was incredibly red though. I wasn't a doctor, but it looked inflamed, and nastily so. At least the required pre-med curriculum was coming in handy for something.

"She doesn't have any scratches." I explained to Tristan as I removed my gloves.

We returned to the group, and found everyone washed up and silent. It was already lunch time, and I hadn't eaten breakfast, so we left off to the cafeteria.

Tristan's brows knit, "So what does this mean for how she got it?"

"Some infectious diseases can spread through blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids. I'd seen them kissing, that would explain her throat infection. I don't know if they participated in anything else though." I explained.

"Doubt it. In times like these?" Tristan scoffed lowly.

After lunch, we went back to Tristan's townhouse, and moved our belongings over. Emma slept by Matt's side, "You mentioned you didn't think a small transmission could do that much damage. Is it possible that he could've hidden a bite?"

My brows scrunched at Tristan's question, my mouth opened but I closed it.

"Are we sure just a small scratch infected him?" Tristan clarified.

I shrugged, unsure of the answer and confused by the solemn tones. "I didn't check his body. I only checked his Linda's."

Tristan and Matt shared a look. "Would you mind checking his body?" Tristan asked.

I hesitated, "I can do that. What's going on?"

"Emma's been scratched."

"I thought I got her in time." I glanced between the guys, before my eyes landed on Emma's peaceful form.

"She would've been much worse if you hadn't been alert." Matt gave me a pity smile, before pulling her closer, "How long do you think we have?" Matt's eyes were glossy, but they were far from distant. Under his furrowed brows his eyes swirled with raw emotion. If just the thought of losing his wife affected him like this, I couldn't imagine how torn he'd be if he did.

My attention shifted to Emma, "I'm not sure, Elmer and Linda changed in a day." I shook my head. "That's alright." Matt nodded, he turned to Tristan, "You can go check out Elmer, I'll be here with Emma."

Tristan's lips formed a tight line and he nodded once, "Okay."

*

"Don't move those yet, Amelia's going to inspect the male." Tristan stopped the men beginning to wrap up the two bodies.

The two men moved off and Tristan stripped Elmer completely, "I would do it, but you seemed much more thorough when you searched his wife." Tristan gave a tight smile.

I took a deep breath, approaching the naked male. I began searching his body, concern flooding me, "How big is Emma's scratch?"

"It's small. That's why I'm hoping she won't be affected." Tristan whispered.

I lost track of time as I checked him for any sign of a bite, or larger scratch. I snapped off my gloves after I finished, "It's just the scratch on his cheek, but it looks like Chloe's nails sunk deep. Is her's deep?" I glanced at Tristan.

"Not too deep, but it drew blood." Tristan's brows furrowed looking down at Elmer. I closed my eyes and let out another breath.

"How long did it take for them to change?" Tristan asked.

"They both took a day. I'd have to see Emma's scratch for myself, the depth of the cut could affect the time until-" I couldn't finish my sentence. I didn't want to sound heartless, and this wasn't a patient we were talking about. This was Emma. Ryan's mom, and Matt's wife. They took me in when they didn't have to, and she saved my life.

"We should get back, it's already eight. Dinner will be served soon."

We made it back to the townhouse quietly, "I'm not hungry."

"I think it'd still be best if you join us. You shouldn't be here alone." Tristan watched me. I nodded, he was right. Independence was not my strong suit, and being alone would only work against me if anything were to happen.

"I'm going to take Emma up to the room. She's feeling a bit tired." Matt explained giving us all a short nod before helping her upstairs.

Emma's movements were much more hesitant now, delicate and calculated. I found her biting her lip a lot, her brows knit. She looked as though she was in pain, and it hurt to know it wouldn't get better. I'd been gone most of the day, that I hadn't even seen when she became under the weather.

"Let me at least say bye, hon."

I didn't realize what she said until she hugged me, "Wait, I'll go up with you." I encouraged, helping her stand and walk. Matt and I helped her up the stairs, into their room, and on their bed. She grabbed my hand before I could fully straighten, pulling me into a hug, "I'm so glad Ryan found such a nice girl. It was nice to meet you, Amelia."

I watched her, unsure of what to say, as my eyes watered. She saved me from Chloe, and this was my chance to save her. I thought I had, too.

I couldn't hold it in anymore as everything crashed down on me. Chloe was dead after she tried killing me. I gripped Emma in a hug, letting the tears fall. Linda was dead, after I killed her, and now Emma was scratched.

"I'm sorry." I cried into her shoulder, let the sobs unashamedly come out.

"What're you sorry for, hon?"

"I don't know. I'm sorry I didn't catch her in time. I'm sorry I didn't save you, like you saved me." I held her stronger. She was the next closest person I had to me physically, and now she was gone too. Kayla and my family were in Belgium- hopefully still alive. Ryan was somewhere, maybe still on the West Coast. Chloe was dead.

"You're so precious." Emma whispered, pulling away slightly to kiss my temple. I didn't think I'd ever be crying on someone I met so recently, but it felt suiting, considering all that's happened.

Once I pulled myself together, I let her go, allowing Matt to step forward. He cupped her hands, "I love you, Matt." Emma's voice was weak as she spoke between sniffles.

"I love you too." Matt's voice was just as weak as hers. I scrunched my eyes shut, the tears falling across my face.

"You've made me the happiest woman alive. You've given me everything I could've hoped for." It wasn't just Emma crying now, and I felt so intrusive to be hearing such an intimate moment. Matt sniffled now, but Emma continued, and I watched him tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, before kissing her forehead, "We raised a great son, and I'm so happy he came out just like his father. Take care of both of them for me." Her voice cracked at a sob.

I unconsciously wrapped my arms around my waist, tears still falling randomly. Seeing them hold each other made me want that for myself. I wanted someone to hold me, and I wanted it to be Ryan. I bit my lip.

With all that's happened, I didn't think I would get this attached. Maybe it was the fear of seeing her like I'd seen Chloe and Linda, or maybe it was the guilt of not having her with me if I ever saw Ryan again.

Would I even see him again? There was no way to contact him. What if he was coming here when we left to Montana? Was he still okay?

I covered my face, and let Matt guide me out when he was done. We made our way to the kitchen with puffy eyes, and sniffling noses. Tristan sat in silence with us, until he found the right time to address the elephant in the room.

"I can mercy her." Tristan whispered so lowly I wasn't sure he actually said it.

The table's silence held the air for a while before Matt gave a solemn nod.