CHAPTER 13

February 5

9:45 AM. EST. Mercy Hospital

"I'm free!" Josh yelled as Donna helped him out to her car. A couple of birds who had been crazy enough to spend the winter in Washington D.C. were pecking at the frozen ground, but fled when his voice shot across the parking lot.

Both he and CJ were going home today. Neither could go back to work for another ten days or so, but they were not nearly as injured as many of the others. CJ still couldn't walk because her spine had been injured, but the burns on her face and arms were healing. Josh, with the exception of his broken foot, was also healing and the doctors had decided that they could do the rest of their recovering at home. Josh wanted to go back to work but he knew that ten days was nothing compared to last time. Plus, he could always get Donna to bring him his work.

His apartment was exactly how he'd left it, including the open carton of milk sitting on the counter. Donna nearly vomited as she poured the gloppy mess down the drain.

"I was going to put that away when I got home." Josh said as she gave him a disgusted look. She shook her head and they both sat down on the couch, trying to ignore the overpowering stench.

"I should probably get started on my work while I'm stuck at home." Josh said, "You know what my first job is?"

"There's an executive order for you to not do any work until February fifteenth. But other than that..."

"Donna!" Josh whined but she shook her head. "It's only ten days. Suck it up, Joshua."

10:50 PM. EST. Margaret's house

She just wanted to sleep. Just close her eyes and never have to open them again. How many pills would that take? How many had she already swallowed?

The pill bottle was empty. Searching her cabinet, Margaret found another. Up to Two Per Day, the label read. Margaret took eight, walked into her living room, and collapsed onto the floor.

Leo was standing over her. He smiled. "Margaret, what the hell are you doing?"

"Leo?"

"Are you really ready to go?"

"Yes."

He reached down and took her hand. She stood up and followed him out the front door, leaving her body behind.