37 Locking Subangdaku (1/2)
\”Time of death - 12: 43 PM,\” the doctor said and the body of the woman was immediately taken away.
The people in the center was taken aback by what they saw. Fear and worry instantly took over their hearts upon realizing that the outbreak had finally claimed a life. Despite being a rural community, Subangdaku was efficient in delivering all sorts of news and rumors; hence, the incident did not take a long time before being known to everyone. In fact, it even reached the office of the mayor who straight away acted on the matter. He then called for a quick emergency meeting with his councilors that afternoon.
Meanwhile, Sonny and Estella were doing a round of interviews in a private hospital when they heard about the old woman's death. Immediately, they wrapped up their interview and went to the health center. As expected, the center was full to the brim. Countless people had already gathered in the main door. Other mediamen had also arrived earlier than them.
\”We have to get inside,\” Estella said between her teeth.
\”I know another way,\” Sonny answered.
He led her to the back of the center where the fire exit door was located. He turned the knob. It was open! They smiled to each other and went inside.
The hallway was dark and musty, typical of community health centers. They ran through the corridors and finally reached the clinic area. Despite the death of the woman earlier, there were still plenty of people. Estella's heart ached for them, knowing that the free service of the center was their only choice because of poverty. For the poor, health insurance was not really a top priority.
\”Tighten your mask,\” Sonny whispered. \”We don't want to be infected as well.\”
They adjusted their masks, and after inhaling and exhaling loudly, they braved the crowd of the disease. The two nurses they met the other day were still in the area, still giving strict orders and reprimanding the stubborn.
\”Oh no!\” Tara exclaimed, \”Keep a good distance, old man. You should not be able to reach the persons in your front and back once you stretch your hands.\”
\”And only one company per person,\” Cecilia barked. \”If you brought your entire family, they can wait outside the center. There are plenty of sheds outside.\”
Again, Estella was not impressed by the way they treated the people. She disliked and mistrusted the two. Despite her feelings towards them, she went up to them, determined to find out about the outbreak's first death.
\”Good afternoon, ladies!\” Estella greeted them with a fake smile.
\”Back again?\” Cecilia did not bother greeting her back; instead, she gave Estella an eyeful.
\”I bet it's about the old woman's death,\” Tara butted in while raising her left eyebrow.
\”Well, you ladies are absolutely not wrong,\” Estella answered with a smile, ignoring the humiliation she felt. \”We just wanted a few more details about the incident.\”
Cecilia: \”Woman. Age is 69, almost 70, birthday is next month.\”
Tara: \”No husband or children. So lonely to die alone.\”
Estella: \”Can we see the doctor? I need the details coming straight from him.\”
The two stared at her long and hard, shocked at how smoothly she insulted them.
\”The doctor's busy with important things,\” Cecilia answered coldly.
\”Well, you can go to the conference hall,\” Tara added. \”There are also other reporters there.\”
Cecilia: \”You can find a copy of the complete transcript of the woman's death there.\”
Tara: \”We also have staff inside the room to entertain your questions.\”
Cecilia: \”Assuming she knows the answers.\”
Tara laughed aggressively.