Carter's impressive frame made the bed dip under his weight as he sat on the edge. He watched Dahlia's eyes slit open at the movement. She struggled to raise her hand for him to take it.
"Hey! Take it easy, don't move," he said in a cheerful tone. Trying to remain optimistic and keep his voice from quavering when he spoke. He took her tiny hand in his, patting the back of it. He could feel the heat in her hands from the fever that was devouring her alive.
"How are you feeling?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Dahlia shook her head. She opened her mouth to talk, "Hazzz…" but no words came out, only a raspy wheeze. Her voice was gone. The plague had stolen that too.
Carter said, "It's fine, sweet girl, don't talk. I am just happy to see you."
