August. The plague has touched everyone in the city of Oran in a different way; that also includes Dr. Bernard Rieux, who has been severely overworking himself recently. After hearing father Paneloux' second sermon, he lazily makes his way to his home, before he feels someone bump into them. After turning around, he quickly scans the silhouette with his tired gaze, and speaks up: "I'm sorry. Are you alright?" The doctor mustered a soft smile, but even that was hard for him at that moment.