"You mean that they're going to try their best not to leave me to fend for myself," I counter, a shrug added for my own benefit, as though I might be able to dispel my nerves through physical means alone. Biting down on my lip, I guess my only comfort is the fact that I haven't experienced any hallucinations personally yet.

Which doesn't say anything for what could happen between now and October. Affected parties have been staggered, there's no question of that.

"I guess I just don't place a ton of weight in the idea of being looked after by the greater population. One or two people I've wrapped around my finger? Maybe."