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The thirteenth container had been loaded with shoulder-fired missiles
The so-called hospital had sounded even worse after the fire Because then kids had been screa Lana’s nahs Lots of deep, rasping coughs Like kids were trying to cough their lungs right out
Dahra was standing over one of the cots, laying a wet cloth on a kid’s head She hadn’t noticed Lana walk in with Sanjit
Lana did a quick count Twenty? Twenty-one? Some of theh blankets fro with very little clothing on the cool tile floor
And
Dahra looked up at the sound of their voices "Lana Thank God You want to try again?"
Lana spread her hands helplessly "I’ll do whatever But the "
Dahra wiped sweat from her brow She looked like she hadn’t slept Maybe ever "Look, secondary infections, they’re called So else moves in, too A lot of times that’s what kills people"
"You’re the boss," Lana said She meant it, and she meant it only for Dahra
"Her" Dahra pointed "Start with her One hundred and six fever That’s what Pookie was before"
Lana went to the girl She looked faht be Judith, but it was hard to recognize so, drenched in sweat, hair plastered down, eyes scared, bleary, and defeated
Lana laid her hand on the girl’s head and al a plate fresh fro She just touched the person and tried to focus
"Who are you?" Dahra snapped at Sanjit
"Lana’s boyfriend," Sanjit said
"No, he’s not," Lana said
"You shouldn’t be here," Dahra said to Sanjit "We’ve got three known dead already Go wash yourself off in the ocean and go home"
"Thanks, but I’ll stay I want to help"
Dahra stared, eyes narrowed, trying to figure out if he was crazy "You really want to help? Because I need someone to empty out the bucket If you really want to help"
"I do What bucket?"
Dahra pointed to a plastic trash can with a lid Around it was a reeking pile of Tupperware containers that Dahra used as bedpans
Sanjit scooped up the bedpans and balanced them on top of the bucket of urine and feces The stench filled the room