[Alice can't help but smile, despite herself, as she leans more heavily into the wall behind her. It's infected, but that hardly matters. So is she.]

I know you are. I've grown to count on it.

[She takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself and muster the energy to at least stand. So far, no dice.]

At least we aren't the only two to whom this matters. We're surrounded by people who are on the same mission as we are. It's good to see people coming together for a cause instead of being torn apart by it, even if we continue to suffer as we descend.

When we get through this, it's something I'll treasure.