Iyisha reached the hospital just as the sun began to bleed faint light. Inside, the warmth wrapped around her, and the quiet shuffle of early movement had begun with the sounds of blankets being folded, supplies sorted, water heating for the day.
She greeted all early workers and they smiled back.
She spotted Mary near the storage room, counting gauze rolls.
"I hope the supplies are all there," Iyisha said lightly, trying for a smile.
Mary chuckled without looking up. "Yeah, they are. Can't trust anyone out here now, so I count twice."
"There's something I need to tell you," Iyisha said smiling.
Mary looked up at expectant.
"I saw Clara out by the east fence. She said she was smoking, but she was moving like she didn't want anyone to notice her."
Mary's hand stilled over the stack of gauze. A frown creased her face. "Clara," she muttered. "I'll have the guards keep an eye on that side of the fence."
Relief tugged at Iyisha's chest. "Thank you. I just… it didn't feel right."
