Josefina didn't mince words, speaking straight, "There's a fifty-fifty chance. We'll know more once the lab results are back."
"Josie, we're so lucky to have you," Hattie said softly, holding Josefina's hand.
Josefina smiled, "Mom, it's what I do. Don't stress about it."
Hattie’s smile was full of warmth, her spirits lifted just by looking at Josefina.
...
That night, a doctor stepped into Sydney's hospital room.
"Ms. Johnson, we need to do a physical exam. If everything checks out, you can be discharged," the doctor said as he entered.
Sydney nodded, "Alright."
The doctor helped her sit up and began taking her temperature.
Holding the thermometer near her ear, he remarked, "Ms. Johnson, you seem to have a fever. Let me check the other side, maybe the thermometer's off."
"I should be fine. I don't feel sick," Sydney replied.
"Must be a faulty thermometer. I'll fetch another one," the doctor said.
Sydney murmured in agreement, and the doctor left the room.
...
After exiting Sydney's room, the doctor continued walking outside.
Once out of the hospital's surveillance range, he stripped off his clothes and tore off his mask.
Josefina was waiting in the car, packing the clothes into a bag.
Oliver twisted open a bottle of water and handed it to Josefina.
She took a few sips.
Oliver took back the bottle, screwing the cap back on.
"Any marks behind Sydney's ears?"
Josefina shook her head, "No marks on Sydney, but I still have my doubts."
Josefina agreed, such good spirits called for a celebration with a feast.
...
Sydney woke up just as the door to her room clicked shut.
A nurse entered soon after to continue the physical exam. Sydney asked, "Is Dr. Zhang still here? It's quite late."
"Dr. Zhang is on duty tonight."
Sydney didn't press further, but unease gnawed at her.
After the nurse left, Sydney took her phone from under the pillow and sent a message.
Then, she called Shay.
"Shea, something feels off about Dr. Zhang. Him coming to check on me late at night, saying I’ll be discharged... Could he be compromised by Josefina and Oliver's people?"
"Mom, don't jump to conclusions. Dr. Zhang is our guy; he's loyal. But if it makes you feel better, I'll have someone look into it."
"Better safe than sorry, we can't afford any slip-ups at this point."

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