After the ceremony, most relatives left early and a few old friends got drunk at the tables. Carmen was happily drinking at the main table after accomplishing her mission. A friend teased her, "Carmen, you should toast Elizabeth! She's your lifesaver, after all!"
Carmen waved dismissively and started shouting, "Why should I? It's her fault for meddling! If she hadn't ruined her future by trying to show off, would Zac have married so early? Isn't it all her fault? Our research institute is so busy; this was our only hobby. She caused such a mess that Zac had to stop exploring with us to comfort her and you're still siding with her!"
Unaware I was behind him, Zac pulled Carmen's arms and tried calming her down. "Alright, Carmen, don't cause trouble on such a happy day. After all, Liz did save us and we should be grateful to her. If you're upset, I'll tell her I have to work overtime and sneak out to be with you next time."
Carmen's face flushed. She turned and leaned against Zac. "That's more like it!"
She met my gaze as she turned her head. Her eyes were clear and sober, also filled with blatant provocation.
Zac also turned and saw me. He hastily pushed Carmen away, gently placed a blanket over me and wheeled me closer to him. "Liz, why aren't you resting? Why did you come out here?"
I shook my head without speaking, focusing on picking at my food. Just moments ago, I had signed a surgical consent form for a private hospital overseas.
Being trapped in that cave for so long had allowed toxins to permeate every part of my body. Not only was I unable to speak, but my vision and hearing were now also failing. My health was in a terrible state.
The hospital advised me to eat well and take in more nutrients over the next few days. They were concerned I wouldn't last until the surgery scheduled in seven days. I needed to eat more, to have enough strength to endure until then, to appear on Zac's dissection table.
Zac's colleagues tried to ease the tension, acting as if nothing had happened. In between the clinking of glasses, they all received text messages. "Zac, the boss said that an overseas partner is bringing in a case of toxic transformation in seven days. The report sounds a lot like your wife's condition."