-And animals are found in this forest? I asked.
-Well, of course. - Ian answered.
-And deer?
-Yes, north of here.
-And you can look at them?
-Well, of course. - with a wide smile, Ian said. “Just go to Mike first.” Good?
-OK. - I said with a smile.
We headed to the lab.
-Hi Mike! - I said.
-Hello. I heard that you are going to watch deer?
-Yes. - I said with a smile.
-Then, for starters, we ask how you feel?
-Good.
- No dizziness?
-No.
-A light tingling of fingers or toes?
-No.
-It seems that all is well. You can ride.
-Let's go to? I told Yen.
-Yes, bye.- Ian said, and we left.
We got into the car and somewhere else for half an hour we drove along the road, then Ian stopped the car at the curb and then we went on foot.
-Can? Ian asked, raising me in his arms. In response, I just smiled.
I, as usual, closed my eyes and pressed against him.
A few minutes later Ian put me on the ground. As soon as I opened my eyes, in the distance I saw a small grazing herd of deer.
-Yen, thanks. I said and hugged him tightly.
-If you are happy, then I am happy.
I was in seventh heaven with happiness.
-Can you come closer? I asked.
-Well, of course. Ian said and, taking my hand, led me forward.
Suddenly my head was dizzy, and it darkened in my eyes for a split second, then I turned off. I woke up already at home in the laboratory. Ian and Mike were talking next to me.
-Lila, you woke up! Ian said almost joyfully.
In response, I smiled, but my smile didn’t work out that way. My head hurt terribly, I had almost no strength. I wanted to get up, but I couldn’t even lift my head.
-What happened to me? - I asked, barely audible.
- You still got that virus. - Mike answered.
-I see ... and how long do I have left?
-Don't say that ...- Ian began.
-Yen, I already realized that I could not survive. And even more so, I already have the second stage of the disease. The next stage will be death ... - I understood perfectly and tried not to build illusions. I will die anyway. It is only a matter of time.
There was a tense silence in the air. The tension was so strong that it seemed a little more and the air exploded. Then Nellie entered the laboratory.
-What are we silent about? - She said.
-Nell, just don’t say you didn’t hear anything. - Ian answered her question.
- I heard that’s why I came. It’s not forever so silent. Listen, Ian, we still have a way out of this situation.
- That shouldn't happen.
-But you don’t want her death?
-So! Stop! What is the way out? Will someone explain everything to me? - I interrupted their conversation.
-Leela ...- Ian began.
-I will tell. Nellie said, putting her hand on Ian's shoulder. - She must know because it is her life and she should dispose of it.
-Yes, but ...
-Hey, have you forgotten that I'm here?- I do not want to die, never knowing this your exit!
-Yes. Sorry if you don’t like it. - Nelly started again. - This I suggested when there was the first threat of infection.
-Okay, so what's the exit? “Did I want to find out because I wanted to live?” I guess I mostly wanted to know this because Ian was against it. So what is it?
-So here. Last time, I suggested turning you into a vampire, then you would have remained alive and, in addition, would have become immortal. Ian was immediately opposed, so we did not offer you such an option, especially since there was no great danger, but now ... you can die. This is your choice. You can stay alive, but become a vampire, or you can remain a man and die. You choose. So what do you think about this?
-This is somehow unexpected. Can I think a little more? I will definitely choose something.
-Yes of course. But not too long. You yourself understand. Good? - Mike asked me.
-Yes. Can I have a room?
-Yes, but you are weak to move independently. - Mike answered.
- I'll take her. - Ian said.
Ian picked me up and carried me to our room.
-I love you. I told Yen. He should have heard it now because I can never say that again.
Ian kissed my forehead.
-Lila, you're still alive.
-MORE ... - I'm still alive, or rather for now. I have already made my choice, but I still have to convince the Yen. How to do this?...
As soon as we arrived at our room, Ian laid me on the bed and covered me with a coverlet.
-Yen, you don’t want my death? - I started.
-Of course not. But handling is not the best option.
-Yen, what are you talking about? There are only two options - to live or die. And I want to live, especially now that I, have you.
-But you don’t even know what you’re going for!...
-So tell me.
- First of all, you are a woman, and every woman wants a child, wants to become a mother.
- You know, now I have no choice. Even if you leave everything as it is, I will never be able to become a mother ... the dead have no children.
-Lila! I want you to live, but that you be a man.