LOCKDOWN

Chapter 25

After tossing and turning the entire night, unable to sleep due to the argument Peyton and I had had, I begrudgingly got up and made my way downstairs. Sleep was evading me purposely, forcing me to think long and hard about the words Peyton had spoken to me.

Did I believe that she had nothing to do with the boys' bet? Yes. Was I angry that she had that kind of reputation that they simply expected her to try and have sex with me? Yes. Was I angry that she refused to tell me how she felt about me, leaving me to assume that my feelings were not returned? Yes.

The clock in the living room indicated that it was 3:30am. This was the first time I had left my room other than to go to the bathroom, and it was nice to be in my house without Peyton's presence looking over me. I turned on the TV and watched the late news, eager to find out any positive information that I might have missed in yesterday's broadcast while I was shut off in my room.

" — say that while the number of infected cases are increasing worldwide, the death toll is gradually decreasing as a result of strict lockdown measures. Researchers in Germany have claimed they have found a cure, and are currently trialling their findings on infected civilians in controlled environments.

The Australian Health Minister has announced that restrictions will remain until there are less than four cases of infection per week, nation wide. Clearly, we still have a long way to go until we reach that target, but it's positive to hear that there are plans being put in place.

There has been positive feedback regarding the care packages delivered by the military to each household. The Australian Government is pleased you announce that there have been no deaths due to negligence, starvation, or exposure. Ninety seven percent of deaths in the past twenty days have been ENOV-18 related. These statistics show that while we unfortunately don't have full control over the virus, our citizens are still being cared for.

The Australian Military have set up a hotline for any Australian residents who have had to lockdown out of their home. People are being encouraged to register their current address and their home address on the website, and the militarily will escort them from there to their homes in a sterilised vehicle. All residents being transported will be tested for the virus en route to their homes. If this concerns you, please visit www.ausmilitary.com.au/enov18relocate."

"Why are you awake?"

Peyton's voice startled me and I jumped, the TV remote crashing off my lap and landing loudly on the hardwood floor.

"Jesus, Peyton. Warn a person, would you?" I grumbled, holding my hand to my thumping chest.

"Sorry, I just heard the TV when I woke up and thought I might've left it on last night. I didn't realise you were down here. Are you okay?" she spoke softly, her voice gentle and timid.

"I'm fine, I just couldn't sleep. I was watching the news," I said curtly. I was still more than annoyed at Peyton, and the annoyance increased as she had the audacity to walk over and sit down next to me on the couch.

"Would you want me to do that?" she asked nervously, after a moment of awkward silence.

"Do what?"

"Register on the website to, you know, go home..."

"Oh," I inhaled deeply, registering her question fully. Even in my anger towards her, I still wanted her to be here. I still wanted her close. "I mean, it's up to you. If you'd rather go home..."

"Not really," she shook her head, casting her eyes down to the floor. "But I will if you want me to."

I opened my mouth to reply, but stopped as Dennis came trotting down the stars and towards couch. He climbed up and planted his backside firmly on Peyton's lap, turning his head to lick her face. I stifled a chuckle as she wiped her face clean from his slobber.