Most of these people were veterans, so Sparrow trusted that after allowing themselves a brief moment to mourn, they would pull themselves together. They didn't have the luxury to falter or stop, as that would only lead to one outcome—death. And if that happened, it would dishonor Rose's sacrifice.
Cough! Cough!
"We have a heartbeat!" someone shouted from the group administering first aid. Instantly, everyone perked up, straining to catch a glimpse of Rose.
'It seems there won't be mourning just yet, but maybe later,' Sparrow thought. It might sound callous, but he didn't want to get his hopes up. The real battle was still ahead—Rose was still fighting the virus that was overtaking her system and threatening to eat her brain.
Although she remained human for now, she was drifting in and out of consciousness, moving between the brink of death and her current state.
