If you're reading...

Cassie, if you're reading this, I must go away for a few days. I'll try to return by the weekend. Stay away from my house till then. Don't worry. Stay indoors. Eat well.

Yours truly,
Hugh

Week Eleven

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: slight
Changes: rash gone, coughed up blood four times

Cassie!

Cassie called me tonight. She said she was fine, but felt the same way. She told me she couldn't fall in love, but that she would come back for medical reasons only. I'm sad, but glad she's safe.

Love?

I have spent the weekend worrying about Cassie. Going to the record store, the cafe, all over town. I have even cried. I've been thinking a lot, and I fear I may have fallen in love with her.

Please let me know you are okay.

Very Concerned

Cassie hasn't come since Wednesday. I've been going to the record store and the coffee shop where we have gone before several times each day. I haven't seen her. I haven't heard from her. She never gave me a number to reach her at. I've been terribly worried. Her condition has been worsening in past weeks, and I'm not sure why.

I've been trying to keep her positive, and I thought I'd found a way, but it seems she grew immune to it very quickly. I hope she's okay.

Cassie, if you read this, please let me know.

Week Nine

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: none
Changes: Rash worsened, Coughed up blood 3 times

Concerned

I'm worried for Cassie's mental health. During our time together yesterday, I noticed cuts on her wrists. I asked if she did them, and she said yes. I asked why, and she said she wanted to detoxify her blood.

I tried to tell her that wouldn't help, and that she shouldn't make any medical decisions without consulting me first. She just got angry and left. I jumped in my car to follow her, but she must have taken a different route home.

Week Eight

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: Regression
Changes: Rash appearance on lower abdomen, coughed up blood four times, cough worsening

Week Seven

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: slight regression
Changes: coughed up blood twice

Week Six

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: none
Changes: none

Week Five

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: slight
Changes: cough lessened

Week Four

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: slight
Changes: Has not coughed up blood, Rash gone

Week Three

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: Slight
Changes: Cough lessening, Rash shrinking, Has not coughed up blood in 3 days

Week Two

Patient No. 13: Cassandra

Progress: none observable
Changes: cough worsening; rash developed on left calf

Week One

Patient No. 13
Name: Cassandra (requested last name be omitted)
Birthdate: May 3, 1985
Birth Location: Ventura County, CA
Hometown: A commune within the San Emigdio Mountains, CA
-- Hymn of One Commune (unrecognized by state of CA)
Estimated Remaining Time: 8 months

The Big Day

I met Cassandra last week. She was in a record store in town, listening to the Who. She was completely absorbed by the music, and I noticed she was quite beautiful. I happened to be looking for a particular CD by the Who, and when she opened her eyes and noticed me watching her, she smiled and took off the headphones. She asked if I'd like to listen, and I shook my head. "No," I said, "I just want to have a look at their albums." She moved aside, and I found the CD I was looking for.

"Tommy," she murmured, "have you seen the movie?"
"Of course!" We talked for a few more minutes, and I invited her to coffee. She said she couldn't stay out any longer -- that she had to get home. I asked if she'd like to keep in touch. "No thank you," she said, seeming regretful, and hurried out the door.

A few days later, I saw her again, at the record store. I smiled and waved. She smiled, but turned away. She was irresistibly mysterious. I thought I should give up. I went to listen to some Stones albums. A few minutes later, a felt a hand on my shoulder, and turned to see her. I removed the headphones, and she smiled at me. She had lovely brown eyes.

"Mind if I take a listen?" she asked. I handed her the headphones. I loved watching her listen to music. She bobbed her head slightly, and closed her eyes. After a little while, she looked at me and took off the headphones. "I have an hour or two. How 'bout a rain check?"

We walked to the local cafe, and I noticed she seemed to have a cough. I asked if she was feeling ill. She told me she was very ill, but not contagious.

When I told her I was a doctor, she looked suddenly hopeful. She asked what field, and I told her.

"Genetics?" she asked, "Have you ever heard Verdus?"

I couldn't believe it. I still can't. I was hesitant at first, but when she told me her story, I felt I could trust her. We were both hiding from the same organization. I decided to try and help her.

Tomorrow will be Day one of our work together.