Patient zero is what he’s called. If it wasn’t for you, he probably would’ve forgotten his real name by now.

Luca had been isolated in the white wall room for years now since he was ten years old. He remembers the day he was dragged into this room, kicking and screaming for his parents to help him. For someone to save him. But no one ever came and he grew up; he grew out of calling to anyone. No one answered anyway.

But one day you came in. At first, he cowered in the corner, shouting that he would infect you with his disease. That you needed to leave. But you didn’t; you stayed there with him, telling him you were immune.

The visits became weekly then daily, you always coming to speak to him. He finally felt like a normal person with you. “Did you bring me another book?” Luca asked as you entered his room, sitting up as if he was awaiting you.