We reached the hospital. A guard was standing on the front gate looking as though he hadn't slept in weeks. 

"State your business," he said in a quiet voice, warily looking at us as though we might turn into zombies at any moment.

"We need to see Nell. She was infected and-"

"They moved her into the other building." he interrupted her, scanning his clipboard. "However, before I let you go, all of you need to be tested for the virus." 

I impatiently stood through his poking and prodding. He collected our blood samples to run some tests and strolled inside the building. I impatiently tapped my foot against the ground. I knew it was important to get tested but I couldn't wait to see Nell again. 

We had to get the cure to her as soon as possible and all this delay was making me nervous. 

The guard finally reappeared and nodded. 

"Go straight from here and turn right. You'll find a low grey building. The second floor, Room 247." 

"Thanks!" I yelled as I raced over to where he had pointed, narrowly avoiding getting hit by a car, the others right behind me. 

Cali explained the situation to other guards as I entered the building and ran up the stairs. I was out of breath by the time I reached her room. I pushed open the door as Nell's parents stood up in surprise.

"Axel! What-"

"We got the cure." I cut in breathlessly. They looked at each other in disbelief and then Nell's mom started crying. I looked away, trying to give them some privacy. Both their daughters had been infected- they had to be under great stress.

I looked over to where Nell was lying and my heart nearly stopped at the sight of her. Her curly dark hair was hanging off the edge of the bed and her face was pale. She still looked beautiful as ever even though the needles stuck in her arm reminded of all that she'd been through. 

I wanted to hold her and cry but I doubted her parents would approve. Every moment I'd spent with her flashed through my head and I remembered her sparkling laugh and shy glances whenever we looked at each other. 

A sharp intake of breath beside me told me that Ana had arrived. I looked and saw that she was crying softly as she talked to Nell's parents. 

I turned my attention back to Nell and took a small step forward. I raised my fingers over her cheek and softly touched her to remind her that we'd made it back. I'd made it back to her. I turned and left the room just as  

Cali went inside. She had gone over to give the cure to the doctors and get Zeno admitted. 

I leaned against the wall as I took in a deep breath. Nell was going to be all right. She had to be. I ran a hand through my hair and realised how unclean I felt after months of travel. I started down the stairs when I crashed into someone. 

I shot out a hand to stop her from falling when I realised who it was. The girl Cali had fought with was grinning at me.