“Almost zero?” I whispered, repeating it. “I… didn’t remember that part.”

“Close enough. And that’s why, right after this phase begins, we’ll move to full isolation. In other words, the day is coming.”

I took another deep breath, trying to keep up. I felt Aster’s hand on mine, then Simone’s on the other. I wasn’t alone. They had both been by my side every step of the way.

I looked at Simone and squeezed her hand. Tears welled in my eyes. My friend had been with me ...