"Evelyn, will the base's crops and livestock be contaminated?"
"The research team ran tests. The crops and livestock are all normal. The patients who developed red spots and rashes are all children under twelve. This suggests that the unknown viruses and bacteria from the outside world are more likely to take root in young children."
"Are these bacteria and viruses just picking on the weak? Only going after children."
"Young children have weaker immune systems, poorer constitutions, and inadequate nutrition. The ones showing symptoms were all born after the apocalypse, which might make them more suitable hosts for the bacteria." Evelyn Ford looked at Zoe and Annie. "Have you two been exercising these past few days?"
Zoe looked serious. "Yes. I run and jump rope every day."
"Me too," Annie said, straightening his back. He'd gained some weight recently, and his face was getting chubby.
