There was a bad smell coming from box #18808. Anticipating the inevitable, Irina pulled out the box and placed it on the work bench. She retrieved labels for the box's next tenant, and began filling out the paperwork for subject #20131.
The box shuddered, startling Irina. After the rattle subsided, she could hear the labored breathing inside. She grit her teeth, and held her hand atop the box, steadying it for the next tremor. She tried to distract herself with the science of it, the cause that they all served. She tried to read the label, but it was upside down. She closed her eyes, and waited.
Tor walked in on her. In fact, he had asked her a few questions before he lifted her hand off the box. "I'll process this one, okay?" Irina nodded, and pulled her hand back. Tor tucked the box under his arm and walked out of the room.
Irina walked to a safety station to wash her hands; under the running water, she murmured "Goodbye..."
inspired by Discover Magazine article "Toward a Cure for Ebola and Rabies"
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