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“Can I be frank with you?”
“Any advice is helpful, Dr. McMahon.”
Samuel’s lip twitches at the professor’s ability to recognize most of Samuel’s comments classify as advice or feedback, be it with sarcasm. “This is just the beginning. The indigenous lived harmoniously in the forests and didn’t leave a footprint. Human greed is massacring the Amazon, opening the way for a killer virus to emerge. It will be our next pandemic, one difficult to control as the consequences could be worse than SARS, Ebola, and HIV all combined as we’ll have little to zero warning or knowledge about it.”
The professor listens astutely. “Similar to an RNA virus? Possibly SARS-related coronavirus.”
Samuel shrugs. “Scientists have been studying novel coronaviruses since the seventies, so at least we have some knowledge about them. The Amazon has the potential to create something far more deadly. We both know how quickly disease spreads, yet flights carry a killer around the world. Viruses kill more than any war, and they’re always one step ahead of us.”
The professor removes his glasses and holds them in his hand. He moves to the end of the bed. “When you’re better, I hope you can join our research team. You’d fit in fine as something tells me you weren’t in the jungle to simply admire Mother Nature.”
Samuel’s lips curl up slightly. “There’s much to learn as there is to explore.”
The professor gives a knowing, lopsided smile. “I can discharge you today. I’ll be in contact next week after your first results are in. If you’re feeling unwell or your symptoms change, please call, and we’ll arrange for immediate admission.”
“Of course, thank you.” Samuel wants to spring out of bed and pack his bag immediately.
Before the doctors leave his room, his father enters and introduces himself. He is wearing trousers and a shirt and fits in with the other doctors on the ward. Even though he’s on holiday, his father hasn’t worn what Samuel considers casual clothing to relax in. Not even denim jeans.
“Dr. McMahon, I’ve heard quite a lot about you from Professor Roxby.” They shake hands. “We are dining out tomorrow night. You should join us.”
“Thanks for the invite, although we’re flying out to Uluru, Kata Tjuta tonight. Perhaps on my return. How long is your visit?”
“I’d like to be involved in your son’s case, so I’ll have Professor Roxby’s assistant get in contact with you.”
The door closes, and Christopher takes a seat beside Samuel.
“Have we made any progress?”
Samuel is honest with his father. He tells him what he said to the professor and then goes into the gory detail of what happened during the months he almost died in the middle of the jungle, the very place he felt most alive.
After Samuel finishes retelling his story, his father takes him in his arms and hugs him. “I know we’ve had our differences, son. I’m proud how you tried to make a difference to a community and to the planet, but nothing is worth your life.”
“No. And…” he hesitates, “… I’m not happy like I was back then when the village was peaceful.”
“I can see that, son. It’s something you must work out with Eden. Whatever you choose, we’ll support you.”
Samuel stares at his father. “Who are you, and what have you done with my father?”
Christopher chuckles. “Last night, I engaged in a long conversation with Eden. You’re a lucky man to have her. All we want is for you to provide for your family and be responsible. I misunderstood why you remained in the middle of a dang jungle, but you have clarified questions and thoughts of it aswildor meaningless work.” He pats Samuel’s hand. “Our focus is to help you heal and ascertain what is causing your illness.”
“Am I to thank you for getting Professor Mundy on the team?”
Christopher smiles. “It’s the least I can do for my son.”
* * *
Samuel swipes each photograph on his phone. Eden sent through the pictures this morning with a text saying she’ll be there to pick him up soon. She’s waiting for his father to return as his mother wanted to take Rose to the beach and build sandcastles. The quality time his parents have spent with his family means a lot and a positive outcome from his hospital stay. He’d have bent to their every command. Eden would set them straight to what she expected as grandparents. It saddened him to miss his daughter’s birthday last night, although he’ll make it up to her. More importantly, his parents celebrated it with his Australian family. His father recommended he rest, and it was unlike him to promote rest over work. He promised to tell Samuel all about the adventure on Tuesday and, although disappointed, understood why it was best for Samuel not to travel to Uluru with them. At least it will give him time with Eden to discuss his future as he knows the current path isn’t the right one.
He imagines her feistiness, ready to argue with him before telling her she’s right. Eden always knew what was best for him.
Several months ago, there was a time he believed he wouldn’t survive and thought he’d never see Eden or Rose again until he imagined her holding their baby, pictured Eden’s beautiful smile, and her kind voice telling him he’ll be okay. Her image motivated him to not give up.
And he certainly isn’t giving up now.
“Good morning.” Eden walks through the door wearing a summer floral dress, so radiant it’s as though sunshine follows her. She checks the Apple watch on her wrist. “My bad, it’s lunchtime.”
He chuckles. “Do you choose not to mention the hour, or do you prefer to reference time like the Ularans?” He waggles his eyebrows. “Some habits stick.”
