The Beginning of the End by Lorana Hoopes (readict txt) 📕

bad as she realized she should have asked. “She was with him, but she said he grabbed his chest and collapsed. I’ve got 9-1-1 on the line.”

The sound of a siren cut through the air and moments later, two paramedics rushed in and took over. Lily took a step back and found Katie. Mr. Dagon, it seemed, had disappeared.

Candace parked the car and walked around to help Anne out. Her husband Stanley climbed out of the passenger side and came over to help as well.

“Are you sure this is the place?” he asked, eyeing the small house.

“It probably won’t be the final place, but yes, I have friends inside and we can stay here until we find a more permanent place.”

They each took one of Anne’s arms and helped her up the steps. Candace entered the key code Raven had sent her into the box and pushed the door open.

“Hello,” she called as they entered, “Raven? You here?”

“She ran for some groceries,” a male voice from the direction of the kitchen said. A moment later, the owner of the voice appeared. Though she’d never met him, Candace assumed this had to be Gabe Cross, and she was surprised to find her breath catch just a little when she saw him.

“Hi, I’m Candace Markham and this is Anne and Stanley-”

“Oh, right, here let me help.” He hurried toward them, but stopped short as if trying to decide the best way to help. “Raven told me you were coming. We’ve got a room prepared for you, Anne. Follow me. I’m Gabe Cross, by the way,” he said as he led the way toward the bedrooms. “Sorry, I should have introduced myself earlier.”

“It’s fine,” Candace said. “We’re just happy you have a place for us.”

“Yeah, unfortunately, this house is getting a little small. We’ll probably be moving to the shelter soon, but we’ll make sure everything is set up for you there as well.”

Anne nodded. “Thank you,” she said as they helped her into the bed. “It means so much to me.”

“To us,” Stanley said, grabbing her hand. He turned to Gabe. “We don’t have kids anymore. They were taken in the disappearances. I’m in decent health, but I’m not sure the best way to help her. I have to admit I was afraid of letting her leave the hospital.”

Candace placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. She knew this decision hadn’t been easy for him. It hadn’t been that easy for her either, leaving almost everything she owned back in Seattle. “Don’t worry, Stanley. I promise I will be here even if I have to sleep on the couch.”

“And I’ve been researching some remedies,” Gabe said. “Experimental, but safe, so if you’re open to trying them-”

“I’ll try anything,” Anne said. “Anything to get my life back. However much longer we have.”

“You only took the first shot, right?” Gabe asked.

“That’s right. She lost control shortly after and was never able to get the second.”

“That’s actually good news,” Gabe said, smiling at Stanley and Anne. “It means there are fewer mRNA cells in your body, and we may be able to fight what’s there. We’re going to start with a healthy diet of only natural foods, nothing processed. Then we’ll add in Coconut and Red Palm Oil, Turmeric, and Vitamin D and E.”

“And that will work?” The hope in Stanley’s voice tore at Candace’s heart.

“It will certainly help,” Gabe said with a nod. “Our bodies want natural foods, and it’s amazing how much we can heal ourselves with the right nutrients. Now, how about you two get settled and Dr. Markham and I will go and get the rest of your things?”

“Thank you.” They were only two words, but Candace could see the relief on Anne’s face and the tiny tear that trickled out of the corner of her eye.

“That was great what you said in there,” Candace said when they reached the living room. “I didn’t know you were researching a cure for her.”

“Well, it’s not like I have much else to do now that I’m out of work. Plenty of time to research.”

“I guess that’s one benefit then. Does it get easier? Not working? Because it’s only been a few days and I’m going crazy.”

Gabe flashed her a small smile. “A little, but maybe it will be easier with a partner in crime.”

“A partner in crime?” Candace said with a laugh. “I like that. I never thought of myself as being a criminal, but I guess when you stand on the right side, on God’s side, sometimes the world will see you that way.”

A light pink crossed Gabe’s cheeks, and he nodded before opening the door for her.

“If I could have everyone’s attention.” The intercom crackled as Mr. Shane’s voice came over the loudspeaker. “I’m sorry for the interruption, but I have some important information.” He paused as if gathering his courage. “The first is that we have been informed that Bradley King, the student who collapsed the other day, has passed away. Unfortunately, due to NCAV restrictions, we are unable to attend a funeral for him, but we will post on the website ways to help out his family for those who are interested.”

A collective gasp went up across the room, and Lily glanced at Katie. Though neither of them had wanted this outcome, they had suspected it might be coming. In her latest video, Raven had shared how many people had died after receiving the vaccine - a number that no one else was talking about.

“In addition, we have learned that several of your fellow students are in the hospital. Because of this, we will be canceling in-person school for the rest of the semester and finishing online. I know that is not what you hoped when you joined us this year, but my hope is that by next semester, we will have everyone vaccinated and be able to return.”

Everyone vaccinated? Didn’t they realize Bradley’s death was due to the vaccine? Lily thought. There was no