At home, the nighttime routine started. She cleaned up the house for about an hour, waiting for her parents to get home. As usual, they started on dinner while she worked on schoolwork. Well, usually at this time she would complete classwork, but instead she started preparing for tomorrow’s events. She emptied out her school bag and put a few changes of clothes inside of it. She also added some water bottles, some writing tools, and a flashlight. She would get food after her parents went to bed. It wouldn’t be the first time she had stayed up past curfew, but doing so was very frowned upon unless one had a lot of schoolwork to complete. Once food was done, she hid her bag underneath her bed and went down to eat. It was bread, potatoes, and baked chicken, what they had almost every night except for holidays.

“How was school today?” Her father asked, cutting into his potato.

“It was fine. We were released soon after the assembly since it is a holiday. We learned more about the war.” Violet tried to stay inconspicuous, not wanting to alert her parents that something was amiss.

“It was a brutal battle. We are lucky to be protected in this city. You should be grateful that we don’t have to deal with anything like that anymore, thanks to the laws.” Her mother passed some bread to her father, topped with butter.

“The governor talked about the kill counts. I didn’t know so many had died. I’m grateful to be protec- Mom, are you okay?” Her mother started coughing harshly into a napkin. When she pulled it away, it was stained red. Her face was pale and damp, clear signs of a sickness.

“Oh no, we will have to bring you to the doctor,” her father said, standing up quickly. “This could be something bad, will you make it?”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Oh hush, I’m fine. 43 and still kicking. I’ll live, it’s just a little cough.”

“Mom, you’re coughing up blood. That is not normal. We are going to have to take you in.” Violet stood up as well, grabbing her handbag. “It’s still open, so there is enough time to take you in tonight.”

“Alright, I’ll go. But if this is for nothing, I reserve the right to say, ‘I told you so’ without any complaints.” Her mother walked to the door, stumbling a little on the way out.

The family walked quickly to the urgent care, supporting the mother on the way. Violet knew this would be the last time she’d be seen; nobody came back from the hospital. She would have to sneak out before she was trapped permanently, else she would not be able to meet up with Alex. As they entered the clinic, a doorbell chimed. A doctor quickly ushered them to the back, asking what the problem was.

“She started coughing up blood during dinner. Her muscles seem weaker as she had difficulties walking down here.” Her father took lead of the conversation, listing all symptoms. “We suspect that she had gotten ill.”

“Let me run some tests in the back. Please wait here, I will have to test you both as well to make sure it is not contagious.” The doctor led Violet’s mother behind a closed door, which locked upon shutting. When he came back around ten minutes later, he was alone. “I’m sorry. She didn’t make it. This disease seems to be extremely fatal, I’ll need to check you now, sir.”

“Pardon me, doctor, but can I use the restroom before it’s my turn?” Violet asked.

“You may. It is the third door on the left down the hall. I expect to see you back here in around ten minutes for your check up.” With that, the doctor turned and left. Her father followed, closing the door.

Violet quickly walked out of the room into the hallway. She had no intention of using the restroom. She knew if she couldn’t make it out now, she would not see dawn. She walked to the front doors, quickly exiting through them. When the bell rang, she was gone, running down the street. She returned to her house in minutes, bolting to her bedroom. She grabbed her bag and put some shelf stable foods inside. There was no time for hesitation, the authorities would likely be arriving soon.