"Quarantine?" Jaxon asked, confused.
"Anyone who just boarded is isolated first," the doctor explained. "We still don't fully understand how the infection behaves. You'll be moved to another carriage with the other new survivors. You'll stay there for several hours until we're certain you're not infected."
Jaxon hesitated. Then he carefully lifted Sumiko into his arms.
"You'll be alright," he said softly, strapping her onto his back again. "You'll get well soon. I promise."
Sumiko nodded faintly, her fingers gripping his sleeve.
Soon, soldiers escorted them down the narrow passage and into another carriage.
The moment Jaxon stepped inside, Cindy spotted him. Her eyes widened and she rushed forward, throwing her arms around him as tears spilled down her cheeks. "Brother. You made it."
Jaxon let out a quiet breath and patted her head, a tired smile forming on his face. "Barely."
