Natalie picked up another test tube with a pink liquid and poured a white liquidy substance into it. She then shook the test tube, allowing the two liquids to mix to create a single liquid.

“What are you doing?” Oliver asked.

“I’m trying to find a cure,” Natalie said, still focusing on the test tube in her hands, which had now changed to a light pink.

“For the plague?” Oliver asked, his face brightening a little.

“Yes,” Natalie said, pouring the liquid on a glass slate. She then put the glass slate underneath a microscope. Natalie put her eye on the microscope and examined the liquid.

“Are you close to figuring it out?” Oliver asked, hopefully.

“I think so, but you can never be sure with science,” Natalie said, picking her eye up off the microscope. She grabbed a notebook close by and a pen and began scribbling down some notes.

After Natalie finished writing her notes down, she took a step back and examined her work.

“I think I did it,” Natalie said with a sigh of relief. “After months and months of trying, I think this is it. Oliver, can you please do me a favor and drink this.” Natalie picked up the test tube filled with the light pink liquid and placed it in Oliver’s hand.

Oliver nodded and quickly gulped the liquid down.

Natalie watched Oliver closely with a hopeful expression written on her face.

“It doesn’t taste like anything,” Oliver said.

“Do you feel any different?” Natalie asked.

“I feel more energized,” Oliver said. “Like I just had a goodnight’s sleep.”

“That’s good,” Natalie said, grabbing her notebook and pen. She began scribbling down some more notes.

“My mouth no longer tastes of blood,” Oliver said.

“Mhmm,” Natalie said, scribbling down more notes.

“I think that’s it,” Oliver said.
“Ok, that’s good,” Natalie said with a smile. “I’ll ask you again tomorrow, how you feel, to see if there is any difference.”

“Sounds good,” Oliver said with a smile. “Can we try to meet the others? I feel like I have all this energy and don’t know how to use it.”

“Maybe we should start with the easy stuff first. You haven’t walked in a while. Let’s try to do that,” Natalie said, placing her arm under his arms. Oliver threw his arm over her shoulder.

Oliver then slowly shifted out of bed, his feet hitting the floor. He stood up and began leaning on Natalie for support. Natalie started to lean down too. She then tripped and hit the ground with a hard thud along with Oliver tumbling after.

“Ow,” Natalie let out with her eyes shut tight in pain.

Natalie then opened her eyes to see Oliver laying ontop of her. His face, tomato red.

“Sorry,” Oliver said, scrambling around trying to grab onto something.

“It’s okay,” Natalie said, helping Oliver back up. She threw his arm back around her neck.

“Are you sure?” Oliver asked.

“Positive,” Natalie said with a nod and a smile.

A little while later, Oliver and Natalie got down walking laps around the room and sat down on the cold hard floor.

“Natalie,” Oliver said, closing his eyes, trying to regain his strength.

“Yes,” Natalie said, looking at Oliver.

“There’s something I have to tell you before I go,” Oliver started.

“Oliver,” Natalie said, sternly. “You know what I said about you talking like that.”

“Sorry,” Oliver apologized. He then opened his eyes and turned to face Natalie.

“It’s okay. Now, what were you going to tell me,” Natalie said.

“You’re one of my best friends, Natalie and I would never want to ruin our friendship but there’s something important I have to tell you,” Oliver started.

Natalie shifted, sitting herself up straight.

“I like you. As more than a friend,” Oliver said.

The room stayed quiet for a moment and then Oliver spoke again.

“I know you may not feel the same way, but I…,” Oliver started. He then got interrupted by Natalie, who had leaned in to kiss him.

Natalie placed her hands on his face as Oliver placed his right arm around her waist.

The kiss ended and Oliver gave Natalie a surprised look.

“I like you too,” Natalie said, calmly.