Chapter 1680
"Does..."
"The medicine only helps balance your bodily functions and replenish your energy," Dominic said, feeding Austin the dose. "It doesn't counteract the virus, so don't expect miracles. I'm no god, and I can't yet figure out what's going on inside you. A cure isn't imminent, okay?"
Austin remained silent, drinking the medicine. He knew Dominic couldn't conjure a cure so quickly, if at all. He didn't want to build up false hopes, fearing disappointment. Still, he appreciated Dominic's kindness. After finishing the medicine, Dominic sighed, holding the empty bowl. "We don't know what's affecting you, but you know how dire the pandemic is. For your safety, stay here for now. Besides, you can't leave even if you wanted to. Let me… think."
His final words were laced with frustration.
"Thank…" Austin began, but Dominic stalked out of the room before he could finish.
A heavy silence descended. Yet, lying there, Austin felt a calmness he hadn't known before.
The laboratory lights remained on constantly. With around-the-clock shifts, it was difficult to discern day from night without checking a clock. Inevitably, though, even the most dedicated workers experienced moments of fatigue, when mistakes or brief dozes could occur. Such moments brought a natural relaxation.
Lily paced her room—a simple suite with a bed and blanket; she could have easily napped. The only difference was the locked door. Resisting sleep, she paced, hand on hip, as if waiting.
A soft knock came. The door opened, revealing a visitor.
"Why aren't you resting?" he asked, frowning.
"I am," she replied, smiling. "Exercising is a form of relaxation." She showed no distress at her confinement.
The visitor entered, glanced outside, then closed the door. Lily stopped pacing.
"How's Debbie?" she asked.
"She's stable. Fortunately, the poisoning wasn't serious, and the toxin has been cleared. Lab results show her indicators are normalizing. You were right. She's… recovered." While expecting this, Lily felt relieved.
She relaxed, sitting and lightly massaging her back.
"But… would that person really do something?" he questioned, despite the accuracy of her previous predictions. After all, that individual had been his longest-serving colleague.