As Anthon and Jia disappeared, Jim broke into an unrestrained sob. He looked at his tombstone and felt the grief that Jia and his family must have endured. All because of this illness that stood undefied for centuries. How many more people must have gone through the unthinkable stages of fear and pain? How many more families must suffer with the horrible loss of their loved ones?
Hailey's heart broke apart in seeing him. She knew, more than anyone else, how painful it was. She knew how many nights would he go sleepless before he could forget. She knew how long the memories would keep on haunting and hurting him before he could have rest. She also broke into a sob, remembering her own ordeal when she learned about Aijohn's wedding with her sister.
She hugged Dr. Jim and tried hard to comfort him.