Tara was in a lot of pain when she woke up on Thursday morning. She thought that she would get better the following day, but clearly, she did not. When she took the supplements that Dr. Alvarado gave her yesterday, the pain subsided so she believed that she was cured already. But that night, the sickness came back again and tormented her. If not for the sleeping pills she took, she would not have slept all night.

Though aching, Tara smiled through her suffering and got up with a renewed spirit. She could not let sickness defeat her. For the last few days, she made a resolve to be stronger and smarter. Immediately, she went to the mirror and looked at herself. Her eyes had shrunken and darkness had formed below the sockets. Her face was pale and stress was written all over.

"Girl, you did not apply your night cream last night," she said to herself, "so you are not as beautiful as before."

The truth was Tara felt ugly. She looked deathly sick but then again, she could not let her condition took away her vibrant disposition. She was a happy human, full of life and energy. This outbreak, which they caused, would not betray her. Besides, Dr. Alvarado assured her and Cecilia that they would be properly taken care of during this crisis. She would simply have to ask Dr. Alvarado for more of that supplements so her recovery would continue. With that hopeful idea in mind, Tara summoned all her strength and started her day. After a long warm shower, she passed by her favorite fastfood chain and ate a hearty breakfast.

"Wow, this is the most delicious breakfast ever!" she said to herself. After realizing she had eaten a lot, she sighed and whispered, "Girl, are you starving?"

She laughed and finished her food. She was still early when she arrived at the isolation camp and she was all smiles as she greeted everyone. Her smile became wider when she saw Cecilia who had already become a dear friend to her. Despite her cold exterior, the older woman actually had a good soul.

"I'm glad to see you," Cecilia said to her. "I really thought you could not make it today."

"This is just a sickness," she answered. "I am Tara and this would not bring me down. I will remain beautiful and bubbly."

Cecilia laughed.

"I miss that about you. Don't worry, you will always be beautiful in my eyes."

"Is Dr. Alvarado around?"

"I have not seen him yet. Why?"

"I was hoping I could ask him for more of those supplements he gave me yesterday. I felt a lot better when I took them."

"And you don't felt any better now?"

"Honestly, my ailments came back last night. Until now, I still don't feel well."

"I can see that. But you act brave and strong, so I did not mind telling you how sick you look."

"Do I really look bad?"

Cecilia nodded.

"Well, Dr. Alvarado could give me some of those things and I will be alright again."

"Are you sure of that?"

"Of course, Cecilia," Tara said defensively. "Dr. Alvarado promised to take care of us."

"I hope so."

Cecilia reached out and lightly brushed Tara's hair. She was startled when she felt her head. Tara was burning hot. She wanted to tell her about it but she stopped herself. It could destroy her spirits.

"Thanks, Cecilia. You felt like a mother, if not an older sister, to me."

Cecilia smiled back.

"I will be reporting for only a half day today. My replacement will arrive this afternoon."

"That's good to know. You should take some rest. You need it so much."

"Oh, before I forgot, I brought you a burger. I got it from Jennie's. It's chicken."

Tara reached into her bag and gave Cecilia the packed chicken burger. She was touched as she did not expect such a sweet gesture from Tara.

"Thank you, Tara. You don't have to do this."

"It's a gift. You are a friend to me."

They embraced and shared a few laughs. Then they went separately to their respective stations. After changing into a nurse's outfit, Tara immediately reported to the doctor in-charge. She visited several patients and attended to her needs. As always, there was plenty of work that needed to be done in the isolation camp. Despite her aches, Tara did them all with a strong heart and will. Rest would be coming in the afternoon, plus some remedies from Dr. Alvarado. From time to time, she looked for him until one nurse told him that the doctor might not be visiting the camp that day.

"Why do you think so?" Tara asked her colleague.

"Dr. Alvarado would be busy for the opening of his medical facility today," he answered.

Tara's face went blank.

"Haven't you heard?" When Tara still looked clueless, he added, "It's in the news."

Tara's spirit was momentarily crashed. She really wanted to see Dr. Alvarado but the possibility seemed nil upon hearing the news. As she continued her work in the camp, she tried lifting her spirit up but no amount of will could remove her discouragement.

Noon finally came and the new nurses arrived. The sight of them partly elated Tara. Hurriedly, she took her things and asked permission to leave. Along the way to the school gate, she saw Cecilia and ran up to her. To her surprise, Tara hugged her tight for a long while. Cecilia could feel that Tara was still burning hot.

"I'm finally having my leave," Tara said excitedly. "I won't be seeing you for a while."

"I will miss you," Cecilia answered with a slight tremor in her voice. "Rest a lot. And stay beautiful."

"As always, Cecilia."

They gave each other a quick embrace and separated. The sun was blazing and the extreme heat made Tara feel terribly uncomfortable. Since it was noon, she found no buses passing by the school for nearly twenty minutes. She decided to walk to the nearest bus stop, hoping to find a faster ride there.

Tara felt dizzy as she walked under the angry sun. By and by, she struggled to breath as her chest tightened. Her visions began to blur as she walked unsteadily. She walked and walked until she unconsciously crossed a lonely street. But then, her senses were jarred by the horn of a speeding truck which shattered the noontime silence. The truck tried to avoid hitting her. Unfortunately for Tara, it was already too late.....