Contami-Nation

[Casmatori]

March 19th 2027:
Ellen's still being a pain. I don't know what's rattled her cage, but she's acting mighty tardy through service lately. She won't hold a conversation, or even eye contact for that matter. I've noticed some bruising under her neck and I was guessing she's having some trouble with her boyfriend or something - that could be why. I think sister Grace knows about it - I catch her looking at Ellen sometimes just like she would a possible rape victim when she's scrubbing in. Maybe I'll ask her one day, maybe I won't. There's been a lot of speculation recently that the hospital is going to be experiencing a number of changes to its staffing procedures. I keep inquiring about it to Doctor Marley but he just blows me off for something else - maybe I'm going to have to use a little feminine mystique on him to find out more. What Dale doesn't know won't hurt him.
March 20th 2027:
We got another Jane Doe today, the third this month. She came in with severe hemorrhaging and possible septicemia. But her hair and teeth had fallen out, and the skin on her feet and hands was almost completely gone. They tried to save her in the OR, but her heart completely failed. It's terrible that we didn't even know who she was: no purse, cell phone, teeth. Just another body to the morgue. Ellen didn't come into work today. I was a little relieved actually, I didn't want to endure another night with her miserable self. I overheard sisters Evangeline and McDowell talking about 'special measures' outside the nurses' station, but they noticed Doctor Laredo and I, and they hastily vanished down the corridor away from us. I wonder what they meant. I wonder if it has something to do with this epidemic of unknown people flooding local hospitals. They just turn up: no ID, insurance card, name - one after the other. I sure hope we don't have another outbreak on the way. I HATE wearing those space suits.
March 21st 2027:
The hospital's on lock-down. A possible security breach in the ER. Sister Grace, some of the nurses and I, are in the patient's recreation room with several of the kids. They're fine though. We stuck on a few Disney classics, handed them some juice, fruit and chips and let them do their thing. It's so boring, I haven't left the room in 9 hours. I managed to get 45 minutes sleep in a store closet away from everyone. I wonder what's going on out there; right now we hear yelling from way outside. No one's allowed in or out of the ward and we're not even permitted to open any windows or fire doors to let some fresh air in. Okay, this is getting ridiculous now. 15 hours on lock-down, something has to be up. Some of the nurses tried calling 911 but there was no answer, and the internet's down - I think they switched off the WiFi for some reason. There's been no gunshots, so I don't think there's a shooter in the hospital.
March 22nd 2027:
A kid died last night. A little boy named Nicholas. He came down with some kind of fever and was vomiting profusely. The nurses sat and comforted him, he wouldn't take water and he just passed out. You know the weird thing is, his hair fell out. And when sister Grace checked the area where he slept last night, she found 4 of his teeth under the pillow. Whatever is happening here is serious. I don't know what's going to happen next but it won't be too long until I break out of this ward and take a look around. We're running low on food and supplies, there's no hot water or anything. I can't reach Dale at all. The phones are as good as useless. I miss him. I just hope the power stays on. I can't imagine what it will be like dealing with 20 sick children in the dark.

[Jahaliel]

A powerful and intriguing set up, I would love to read more. There's something very eerie about this and quite dark.

[AnIdeasman]

This reads very well and easily suspended my disbelief. As jahaliel mentioned, there is a dark mystery afoot, and you set it up with an intriguing and eloquent narration. Looking forward to the next part!

[everhopeful]

This kind of puts me in mind of a prelude to a Resident Evil-like story, it has the sense of impending doom about it, shrouded in the protagonist's lack of knowledge. The aspect of isolation is stifling, and creates a lot of tension.
Although this is relatively short, it's a powerful piece and it captured and held my attention while leaving me ready for more!

[rupertpupkin]

Hi. I was so surprised to realise that I hadn't left a comment on this, I was so sure I had. Anyway, I loved this. It feels like the prologue to a really exciting story. I liked the introduction of the characters and feel that they could be expanded upon so well. Great start to a potentially great read, keep it coming!

[krake]

This is freaking awesome!

[LorettaYoung]

As very well said; a prelude to intense forthcomings; very enticingly written; would love to hear more. Congratulations. Loretta

[Casmatori]

Thank you for all of your wonderful comments. I was completely taken aback to learn that this piece had been featured in TPS Spotlight. Thanks again!

[rupertpupkin]

Hi. This piece is so deserving of a spotlight. Its a great write and something you should be very proud of. Loved the storyline and the way you chose to tell it. Well done with this.

[Josie]

Oh my! You left us hanging on the cliff. Story lines are popping up. Congratulations on the TPS Spotlight recognition.

[everhopeful]

You really built up the sense of mystery and creepiness in such a short space of writing here, and like the other commenters it left me wanting more!
Congratulations on the spotlight!