3 days later
*Sherry*
"How is she Nick ?" I ask ducking into the tent where he is caring for Nina.. I am doing my afternoon round with tea and snacks, both for the patients and their caretakers.

He looks up, shaking his head slightly. "The fever keeps going up.. she is at 105.. we need to get it down".

I look at Nina, she is laying very still on the bed just wearing panties and a thin tank top that is clinging to her.. she is pale with angry red splotches on her skin and her breathing is shallow. "Yeah.. I'll get you some ice water and cloth so you can cool her down".

"Thanks Sherry". He reaches out to squeeze my hand.. he looks so tired, with deep dark circles under his eyes.. but beside me he seems the only one not affected by the virus.

"No problem sweetie.. but you need to sleep and to eat.. she needs you to keep healthy and strong". I tell him, putting the tray on the table. "I can sit with her so you can sleep".

He gives me a weak smile. "I know.. but honestly I would not be able to sleep.. how are the others doing ?"

"Well Marshall and Matt are cooped up in the tv room binge watching bad reality tv and eating gallons of soup". I say shaking my head. "They are both whining constantly.. that is how I know they ain't that bad.. they'll be back on their feet within a week I am sure".

"I am happy to hear that.. and you are right complaining is a good sign". He chuckles softly. "How is Zac holding up.. and Pilar ?"

I shake my head slightly. "Pilar is coughing.. a bit of fever.. but she refuses to leave Zac.. she'll be okay". I pause for a moment. "Zac's lungs are bad.. he is coughing really horribly and struggles a bit with breathing".

"He is strong.. he is going to pull through". Nick turns one of the fans slightly in a try to get more cold air on Nina.

I put my hand on his shoulder. "I know sweetie.. and so will Nina.. you will make sure of that".

"And LZ.. what about him". He swallows. "Is he.. going to pull through ?"

"Honestly I don't know.. he is really sick.. he has so much trouble breathing and his fever is high too.. he is hardly responding.. but Emmy.. she does everything she can.. we all do". I can't lie to him.. it's not looking good and we are all beyond worried.

He nods. "Please tell him.. tell them that I am praying for them okay.. and if I need to do anything.. let me know".

"I will.. and I will be back with the ice water as soon as I have been by the other.. keep up the spirits sweetie". I give his shoulder a squeeze.

He turns and hugs me, burrowing his face in my stomach and I just caress his hair, telling him it will be okay.. he just needs to cry it out for a bit.

"Sorry". He says five minutes later when he pulls away.

"Nothing to apologise for sweetie.. here". I hand him a clean handkerchief from my pocket. "I am sure it was needed.. see you in a bit".

I walk over to the next tent, where Zac and Pilar are residing. When I walk in Zac is rolled up clutching a pillow in his arms.. Pilar is slowly rubbing his back. She looks up. "Hi Sher".

"Hello my dear... how is he and how are you ?" Honestly she should be in a bed herself, but I don't have the heart to force her away from Zac.

"He struggles so much with breathing and the pain.. he finally fell asleep, but I worry constantly that he will stop breathing". She looks at me with big worried eyes.

I can hear how laboured his breathing is, even when sleeping, like a wet raspy sound. "I know you are worried.. but what about you sweetie". I reach out to feel her forehead. "You are warm".

"I am okay.. no need to worry about me". She gives me a small smile. "I need to focus on Zac.. he needs to get better".

"He will.. he is the strongest person I have ever met". I smile at her. "Just be here for him and you will have him back.. but remember to eat and rest.. just had to tell Nick the same".

She looks at the food. "I will try.. I just don't have much appetite".

"I know sweetie, but you need too.. Zac would want you to take care of yourself". I hate pulling that card on her, but we have enough people sick as it is.

She looks at Zac. "I know.. he would say I am the most important.. that is how he is, always thinking of others".

"It is.. ". I give her a last smile. "So eat.. and call me if you need anything okay ?"

"I will.. thanks Sher". She picks up the bowl of soup, sipping slowly, it is easy to see it hurts her to swallow.

I hurry over to LZ's tent, stopping outside for a moment to collect myself before going in.. it is never easy seeing him.. fearing every time is the last.. I am very worried about him.

"Hi Emmy". I say softly as I step inside. She is rolled up on the bed next to LZ, sleeping. "Hi LZ".

"Hi". He gasps, gesturing towards Emilia. "Sleeping.. she needs it".

I hold up my hand and halfway whisper. "Shh.. don't talk sweetie.. I'll be quiet, so I won't wake her".

He gives me a weak smile.. his skin is pale, almost see through and bluish.. and his chest is moving rapidly.. there is no doubt he is bad.. really bad.. and I am seriously worried we won't get to keep him with us.

I hurry up doing what needs to be done. To be honest even I hate being in here and I can't imagine how hard it must be for Emilia. LZ is watching me, but it is clear to see how his eyes go in and out of focus.. every few minutes horrible coughs make his whole body contract almost in cramps.

"Oh babe.. ". Emilia's confused voice sound. "I am so sorry.. I didn't mean to fall asleep.. I am here okay.. right here".

"No... worries.. love". LZ croak.

I quickly make my present known. "Morning Emmy.. no need to feel bad.. you need a nap.. I have brought tea and soup".

"Thanks Sherry". She says softly, sitting up on the bed.

"Oh it's my pleasure my dear". I give her a warm smile. "Uhm could I talk to you outside for a moment".

She gets up. "Sure.. of course." Then she leans down, ghosting her lips over LZ's cheek. "I'll be back in a second love".

As I walk outside she follows and I look at her. "He doesn't look good sweetie.. I think it's time I get Marshall to .. bring out the oxygen".

We have been waiting for as long as possible, as we only have a very limited amount, and don't want to risk running out while someone needs it the most.

"Yeah..". A small sob escapes her. "I think he needs that.. this morning I thought he had stopped breathing and I panicked.. I didn't even think about calling for help.. I just started shaking him.. and he woke up.. getting a horrible coughing spell.. and I felt so bad".

I pull her in for a hug, luckily she has only been sneezing and coughing a little bit.. like a light cold. "It's okay sweetie.. you are being so strong and so great with him".

"I don't know what I would do if I lost him.. I mean I just.. found him". She is shaking softly.

I just hold her...we all need each other right now. "I get that you are scared.. but we need to keep believing .. to think positive".

"Thanks Sherry". She pulls away. "I need to get back to him.. I don't want him to be alone".

"I get that.. I'll talk to Marshall.. I think he is capable of hooking up the oxygen.. or Maybe Nick can do it.. we will figure it out". I give her a reassuring smile.

Then she hurries back in the tent, where I can hear LZ cough like he has been chewing stones.. No doubt he needs some relief from this. So I decides to hurry with the cold water for Nina and then go talk to Marshall.