[Lin – 9:06 p.m.]
I tear open the last bandage roll with my teeth.
My fingers are shaking — either from the cold night air or the fever crawling down my spine.
Emily winces as I gently rotate her dislocated shoulder.
"Just one push,"
I say.
"Breathe in."
Click.
She groans, but it's done.
Next up: Jack. Deep gash, left thigh. Probably needs stitches.
I'm down to alcohol wipes and tape.
[9:10 p.m.]
"You're not even trained,"
Namtan snaps, watching me from the corner.
I don't look up.
"I've treatd ten people since this started,"
I reply.
"Would you rather let that wound rot?"
She crosses her arms.
"You act like you're the doctor of this apocalypse."
"I don't see you holding the gauze."
[9:12 p.m.]
Best finally speaks.
"We didn't agree to follow your lead, Lin."
I pause, blinking hard.
"I'm not asking for loyalty. I'm asking for cooperation. There are injured people, and I need to treat them."
"And how do we know you're not the reason some of them are worse?"
he says.
That stops me.
He's implying—
I exhale.
Slowly.
"I've saved more people than I've lost."
"Lost like Kao's girl?"
Namtan adds, voice dripping.
The air freezes.
[9:14 p.m.]
Kao, who was leaning on the wall behind me, steps forward.
"I don't remember anyone else rushing into the fire except Lin."
Silence.
Best looks at her like she's grown another head.
"She's not stable. You see her scratching herself, sweating? She could be infected."
Kao doesn't flinch.
"Then what? You throw her off the roof?"
Jack winces.
"Guys…"
[9:16 p.m.]
My jaw clenches.
"I don't have time for your paranoia," I mutter.
"I'm treating people, not asking for votes."
Emily whispers,
"Lin—maybe rest a bit. You're not okay."
I glare at her.
"I'm fine."
But my hands betray me — trembling, unsteady.
The gauze slips.
Blood stains my palm.
[9:18 p.m.]
Best walks up, lowers his voice.
"We don't owe you trust."
I meet his eyes.
"And I don't owe you kindness, still I'm helping you."
[9:20 p.m.]
No one says anything after that.
I finish Jack's bandage in silence.
Kao hands me a bottle of water. I ignore it.
"You're burning,"
she says softly.
I don't reply.
I grab the alcohol wipes and walk to the edge of the rooftop.
Alone.
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