#earthrunes

And they move on and out... some areas are definitely not safe. Infection etc. But Room 244 however... they find it.

A nurse comes out, and old woman. And... she's not banal at all. "Poor girl. " Then she sees them, "oh, can I help you?"

"Y-yes." Chloe's surprised to find somebody warm here. "We're here to find out more about her," a nod towards the door. "But I'm sorry, I've lost my notes. I don't even know her name, and I feel awful about that."

"Notes? Oh... are you another prayer group?"

Petunia seems surprised as well, but lets Chloe lead

"Not exactly. More like...a speaking group. We...ah...want to give her a chance to express herself, say what she needs to say. If she wants to pray, we can certainly help, but I don't intend to push her to it. Have others been doing that?"

"Her parents mostly, they've had everything from Catholic priests, Jewish Rabbis, to a man who claimed to be an African Witch Doctor. Their daughter is about tired of it to be honest. She thinks it's wrong to buy a miracle. ..and claims she's been agnostic all her life and if there is a god or gods, surely they'd know her for a charlatan. I think they're hoping to stir faith so she doesn't kill herself. She's asked about her legal right to just do her self in."

"Her legal right." A pause. "What do you think about her situation? Just...between us," Chloe drops her voice.

"I think it's frustrating to be in a world where the smallest germ could kill you... "

"but... oh I hate to see anyone give up"

Another pause. "Does she have any hope at all of recovery, of improvement?"

"Well, medical science improves all the time, but no... this is.. well, it makes AIDS look like a walk through the park."

"And Oh dear. I'm saying too much" The woman says "I could get fired."

"I won't repeat it publicly, don't worry." Chloe glances toward the room. "May we speak with her? And...what is her name?"

"Petra O'Gerald. Wait.. you don't know her name? something isn't right here." THe nurse frowns. "I think maybe I should contact a doctor and..."

"Oh, remember, I told you...I misplaced my notes." Chloe smiles reassuringly, and reaches to touch the nurse's sleeve lightly, a gesture of reassurance. "Of course it's Petra, but it's such an unusual name, I'd forgotten it without the notes. It must be so hard to care for her when she's expressing hopelessness."

"This still seems odd. And Better safe than sorry." She says "I..."

Petunia touches the woman's shoulder and tuts, "Remember... I named her when we came in. My coworker just forgot. It's okay. You know you could trust us right away"

"Oh, of course," The old woman smiles.

Chloe nods, trying not to look to relieved. "We won't stay long."

And she heads into the room.

The Duchess's hand seems to linger over the old woman for a moment. And the woman smiles as if more weight is removed. THen the Liam follows

To see...