Last Another Day by Baileigh Higgins

muttered, turning pale.
    “Why don’t you help her husband take her to one of the spare bedrooms? I’ll be along shortly.”
    “Okay,” he replied.
    Elise was grateful she’d prepared extra rooms in case they found more survivors. Not that she’d been expecting an entire group to show up on their doorstep.
    Elise turned to Logan. “Why don’t you check them for bites?”
    “She’s been bitten,” he replied, pointing to the red-haired girl.
    In an instant, the atmosphere in the room changed.
    The older man in charge placed himself in front of the sick girl. “No one is harming her.” The rest of the group likewise clustered around, forming a barrier and lending their silent support.
    It was an explosive situation. They were all armed and Logan did not inspire confidence with the stony expression on his face. The two brothers, in particular, watched him with wary caution.
    Max stepped to the forefront, raising a placating hand. “No one will hurt her. But we need to check the rest of you for infection and we will have to take precautions.”
    “What precautions?” their leader asked.
    “Either Logan or I have to guard her at all times. She’s infected and there are children on the premises. We cannot put them at risk.”
    The older man considered this. “Seems fair.”
    Elise stepped forward. “Logan put her in the bedroom furthest from the rest. I’ll bring a first aid kit to treat her wound.”
    He nodded, and they trooped away.
    “Max, get going.”
    Once they all left, Elise rushed to the storeroom, grabbing supplies as she went. Her mind was surging along, considering the possibilities. She did not foresee the night ending well.
    Max had led the couple who were having a baby to the nearest spare room. Elise thrust a first aid kit into his arms. “Here. Go check on the wounded girl.”
    She then puffed up several large cushions on the bed to offer a backrest and laid a bundle of stuff on the side table.
    Elise turned to the woman. “Ma’am, I need to make sure you haven’t been bitten. Will you let me take a look before you lie down?”
    The woman glanced up at her husband, fear in her eyes. After a few seconds, he nodded and Elise shut the door.
    Together they undressed her, Elise scanning her smooth dark skin for bites. She was clean. They dressed her in a clean nightgown and helped her to lie down, propping her up until she was comfortable.
    Elise turned to the husband. “Sir, if I may, I’d like to help your wife with the baby.”
    The man who’d been silent the entire time scanned her face with serious eyes. He must have been comforted by what he saw because he nodded.
    “Her name is Tumi and I am Joseph. Joseph Masakale.”
    Elise smiled, relieved. “My name is Elise.” She glanced at Tumi, moaning on the bed. “How far along is she?”
    His brow knitted in confusion and Tumi answered instead. “Seven months.”
    Elise’s stomach knotted at the words. Seven months.
    It’s not enough. Not without a hospital.
    She gave Tumi a wide smile, though. “Don’t you worry. We’ll take good care of you.”
    Tumi nodded, some of the tension leaving her face. A knock on the door announced Thembiso with a stack of towels, followed by Peter.
    “Have you boiled the water?” she asked Peter. When he nodded, she said, “Bring it in a clean bucket but rinse it first with antiseptic. Thembiso, bring bottled water and fruit juice for the lady then you both go keep an eye on Anne, please.”
    They left and Elise turned back to Tumi, examining her. The news wasn’t good. There was no way to halt the contractions. She was fully dilated.
    Elise turned to Joseph and led him aside. “The baby is coming, and it’s too soon. Do you understand?”
    His eyes darkened, the lines around his mouth deepening.
    “I will do what I can but you need to be prepared. The baby may not survive.”
    After a moment, he nodded and turned away. She let him be, focusing on Tumi who writhed as another contraction gripped