After two hours of deliberation, there was little tangible progress to show for our efforts. Exhaustion and frayed nerves dampened everyone's capacity for rational decision-making. It appeared that Aro and the others had, for now, set aside thoughts of departing the group for their personal quests. The satellite hadn't yielded any new information. It felt as though an invisible moratorium had been imposed on this part of Washington, cutting off all communication with the outside world.
The proposals shifted from merely staying at Carlisle and Elisabeth's and observing how the situation unfolded, taking the risk of being caught off guard by danger, and hoping the bombings would have a deterrent effect on the spread of the infected, to the possibility of seeking refuge in the Olympic Mountains to isolate ourselves to the maximum. However, this would limit Carlisle's and my ability to conduct real research. There was also the problem of relocating essential supplies since there was nothing readily available on-site. The final proposal involved finding refuge on one of the small islands along the coast, exposing ourselves to the elements as few of them were inhabited. I secretly wondered if the coast guard effectively controlled these areas. The decisions made now would shape the fate of this eclectic group, each member with their own desires, fears, and motives. The delicate balance between self-preservation and collective action hung in the air.
As the sun rose, the sky began to shed its inky veil, unveiling a breathtaking canvas of colors. Golden hues seeped through the horizon, splashing the sky with tints of coral and amber. The forest surrounding the house emerged from the shadows, each tree casting long, intricate shadows across the dew-kissed ground. Mist lingered between the trunks, adding an ethereal quality to the landscape.
The vast bay window served as a portal to this picturesque scene, its grandeur highlighting the contrast between the serenity of nature and the tense deliberations within the room. The window, a majestic frame to the world outside, offered a panoramic view of the mysterious forest. Verdant leaves shimmered as they caught the morning light, whispering secrets of centuries-old tales.
The light streamed through the glass, painting intricate patterns on the polished wooden floor, creating a mosaic of warmth and shadows within the room. Dust motes danced in the sunbeams, adding a surreal touch to the already mystical ambiance.
Birds greeted the dawn with melodious chirping, their songs echoing through the forest, a harmonious backdrop to the group's discussions. The air held a crispness, a blend of pine and damp earth, mingling with the faint scent of morning dew.
In this juxtaposition of tranquil nature and the turmoil of decision-making, the forest stood as a silent witness, its depths shrouded in mystery and possibility, beckoning and cautioning in equal measures.
The atmosphere outside seemed serene, a stark contrast to the tension prevailing within the walls protecting us. I turned to Carlisle, seeking his assistance for a preliminary examination of Eric. "Carlisle, analyzing Eric's condition should be a priority. If you have the necessary equipment, let's proceed with the analysis."
Carlisle nodded in agreement, determination shining in his eyes. "Of course, doctor. Let's not waste any more time."
As we made our way to examine Eric, Emmett finally took notice like me of the growing impasse in our attempts to reason with the group. Realizing that immediate action on pressing issues might be more critical than long term theoretical decisions, he turned to Jasper. "Jasper, mind lending us your van for a quick run to the nearest supermarket? I'll cover expenses using my credit card and anyone else willing to chip in. No need for grand heist plans. Money might still hold value at this stage." Several individuals—Ben, Jasper, Aro, Rosalie, Esmée and Jessica, the woman with vibrant glasses—volunteered to accompany him in their vehicles.
Charlie stepped up, offering to try to contact on the ambulance radio a friend on the peninsula who worked as a forest ranger. He believed this acquaintance could help us find refuge and acquire survival gear.
"Carlisle, any faith in the sheriff?" he asked.
Carlisle pondered for a moment before responding thoughtfully, "I can't vouch for the sheriff, but it might be worth talking to Billy, an elder from the Quileute tribe. He's well-connected and knows the lay of the land."
Quil, with a knack for programming in his daily life, leaned over to Elisabeth with a glint of curiosity in his eyes. "Mind if I borrow one of your computers for a moment?" he inquired, his voice carrying a mix of eagerness and determination. Elisabeth nodded, handing over the laptop. "Sure, here you go."
"Ah, the joys of network disconnection amidst a global crisis," he remarked dryly, tapping away at the keys. "Who needs the internet when you've got some good ol' tech wizardry, right?"
As Ben bid farewell to the drowsy, feverish Eric on the couch, Jasper moved among us, collecting credit cards. Amidst the flurry of preparations, Emmett, in his usual playful manner, turned to me with a lighthearted query. "So, Doc, what's on the shopping list for our little expedition?"
I responded with my usual analytical approach. "We need durable, protein-rich food supplies with sturdy packaging," I stated matter-of-factly, drawing a wry smile from Emmett, amused by my seriousness.
"What? No favorite shampoo flavors. You're not like any woman I've ever known," Emmett joked, clearly finding humor in the divergence between my concerns and stereotypical expectations.
Emmett's teasing remark pricked a nerve, subtly implying that I fell outside the bounds of normalcy. His words seemed to echo a clichéd notion, one that assumed women's concerns revolved solely around superficial matters. Though tempted to challenge this stereotype, I chose a more straightforward response, acknowledging the practicality of his suggestion about hygiene products. Nonetheless, being singled out as "not normal" struck a chord, leaving a lingering irritation in its wake.
As the group readied for departure, the echo of Carlisle and Elisabeth's children awakening on the upper floor filled the air. In a moment alone, Edward sidled up to Emmett, a smirk playing on his lips as he bantered about the possibility of stumbling upon weaponry. "Should you stumble upon any arms, might as well load up... and perhaps fuel too," he dryly quipped, his tone carrying a hint of jest amidst the gravity of the situation.
As I followed Carlisle guiding Eric away from the couch, Emmett's question to Edward caught my attention. "Why aren't you volunteering to join us on the road, just in case the shopping trip turns into something else?" Emmett inquired, his voice carrying across the room.
Edward approached him, his voice almost a whisper, barely audible to me. "Because I witnessed someone fall ill with a similar fever and sweating to Eric's yesterday morning, and it didn't end well for everyone involved. I'm not comfortable leaving him alone with just the doctors and sleeping children," Edward explained, his words sending a shiver down my spine. It had never crossed my mind that Eric might pose a threat to all of us. a tangible sense of unease seemed to pervade the room. It was as though fear had taken residence in each breath, casting a shadow of worry over everyone. My own apprehension mirrored the concern etched across Emmett's face. It was evident that he was contemplating whether he should remain to protect us.
Edward, composed as ever, placed a reassuring hand on Emmett's shoulder. "I'll stay with Isabella. Our Belgian-dressed clown over there can keep Elisabeth and the children company, just in case." Emmett visibly relaxed, nodding in agreement before joining the group already making their way towards the vehicles. I exchanged a significant glance with Edward, acknowledging our shared understanding, and then followed Carlisle as he led Eric upstairs.
As we ascended the stairs, Edward's abrupt call shattered the stillness, aimed at the quietest figure among us, who had been silently observing through the bay window since our arrival. He briskly instructed the man to be of use and keep a watchful eye, just in case Elisabeth required assistance. The sudden urgency in Edward's voice conveyed the gravity of our situation, emphasizing the need for everyone's vigilance and readiness to help wherever needed.
Carlisle ushered us into a sanctum on the second floor, a room that seemed to cradle centuries of accumulated knowledge. The walls bore witness to erudition, lined with towering shelves enveloped in ancient tomes and artifacts—a harmonious blend of venerable books and enigmatic paintings. The space exuded an air of historical richness and scientific allure and academic fervor.
Toward the rear of the room, an expansive table hosted an eclectic array of scientific tools. Microscopes whispered of hidden worlds, test tubes promised the unlocking of enigmas, and intricate machinery stood poised for exploration—a centrifuge, an incubator, and an array of contraptions whose names resonated with the potential for scientific marvels.
With a keen determination, Carlisle inquired, "Is there any way I can assist you?" I swiftly directed his attention to Eric's immediate condition, outlining the urgent need to sample Eric's bodily fluids and meticulously examine his vital signs, urging him to report any irregularities promptly.
Meanwhile, I turned to Edward, explaining my intention to set up at the nearby desk and retrieve specific research materials from my vehicle. Edward nodded in understanding, a silent affirmation as I prepared to delve into the heart of the matter.
As I meticulously arranged my workstation, time seemed to slip away unnoticed, each passing moment echoing the gravity of our situation. Eric rested on the sofa, his figure conveying vulnerability amidst the ongoing examination. Meanwhile, Edward remained casually positioned nearby, a stark contrast to the palpable tension surrounding us.
Together with Carlisle, we embarked on an exhaustive examination of the samples obtained from Eric. As we delved into the microscopic world, meticulously scrutinizing each cell, Eric's condition appeared to deteriorate. His discomfort was palpable, evident in his restless movements and the distress apparent in his troubled sleep.
Throughout this period, the room remained steeped in intense focus, our shared commitment driving us to analyze every minute detail. Time seemed to stretch and bend, slipping away unnoticed as we tirelessly sought answers within the intricate patterns of the cellular landscape.
As I scrutinized the microscopic world on the slides, a sense of astonishment and a creeping unease settled within me. Strange anomalies danced across the cells, each revealing a disconcerting story. Yet, I hesitated to divulge my observations until the protein composition analyzer, a critical instrument in our research, completed its analysis. Carlisle, focused on his work, remained unaware of the nuances I discerned. Perhaps his expertise in medical analysis didn't encompass these subtleties, or maybe my growing concerns were unfounded.
With anticipation coursing through me, I hastened toward the control computer as the analysis machine neared completion. Foreboding thoughts loomed large in my mind, hinting at potentially distressing results. But just as I was about to reach the machine, a sudden uproar downstairs jolted our attention. The previously indecipherable noises now bore an urgent tone, echoing through the house and rousing everyone from their tasks. Edward, whose demeanor had been relaxed moments before, swiftly sprang to his feet and dashed toward the office door, propelled by the increasingly distressing calls echoing from below.