Malik stayed just out of sight while Magaly stood on the side of the highway, waiting for a car to flag down. There was no one on the road in either direction.
I can’t remember the last time I was out this late at night. “This must be the worst first date you’ve ever been on, huh?”
Magaly laughed. “It’s unforgettable, that’s for sure. So, do your parents know about your research and how far you’ve gotten?”
“Yeah, they’re supportive,” Malik said. “If I think about it, all of this probably started with them. My parents are super into nature and instilled an appreciation in me at an early age. We’ve always done a lot of hiking and camping together.”
“That sounds like a nice childhood.”
“The best.” Malik smiled. “My dad always insisted that was what kept him healthy, despite the prevalence of the virus. He had an interesting theory.”
“Which was?”
“It was around the origin of the virus.” Malik paused, waiting for her reaction. “Everyone knows that the virus originated from bats that lived deep inland in China. Of course, animals in the wild carry numerous viruses that, if exposed to mankind, would be devastating. This virus was one of them. Dad’s theory was that the virus was nature’s defense mechanism. When human beings moved too far into areas that supported Earth’s ecosystem, the virus was released to push them back. Think of this virus as a type of antibody for the planet trying to neutralize another virus that’s spreading too much.”
“And we are the virus,” Magaly said.
“Humanity on Earth is a pretty invasive species if you think about the massive deforestation, pollution, and other destruction of nature,” Malik said.
“Fair.” Magaly nodded. “What about your mom?”
“This is a shared interest for them. My mom grew up spending her time in the forests, but old-growth forests. She is on another level about how magical the trees are.” Malik rolled his eyes. “That’s why my parents bought a house in this neighborhood, close to the nature preserve. My parents loved that most homes in the area came with huge old trees. Our house has two white oaks that are at least three hundred years old.”
“Sounds perfect for you guys.”
“Absolutely. I can even do some of my work in our backyard with our trees, which is nice.”
“So did Callie stay involved in the work, or did it become your pet project?”
“She stayed involved as long as she could,” Malik replied. “We tested aerosols on her. The more we experimented, the less she coughed. She even got to where she could go on runs—that’s how much her lungs strengthened.”
“Wow! I have not seen patients who can do that.”
“We were also fairly active and spent a ton of time in fresh, clean air. But, that’s what inspired us to try to fully build out the technology.” Malik stared off in the distance. “I went to school to study business and understand how to market and sell the technology. Callie studied Forestry at Northern Arizona University. She planned on getting a PhD.”
“What happened?” Magaly said.
“No one knows. Callie was back home, applying for PhD programs, when she had trouble breathing. Her health faded pretty quickly. Most people say she was lucky to have lived as long as she did. After that, I felt I owed it to her to finish what had been our life’s work.”
Headlights flashed the area, and they both turned to see a truck slowly heading their way.
The truck looked old, like it was from before all the carbon emission and vehicle electrification laws were established. But, it looked like it was made to drive through a brick wall and keep on moving.
The truck pulled over and came to a stop a few feet in front of Magaly. Malik stepped out in front of Magaly and stood between her and the truck. The headlights were bright, and Malik couldn’t make out who was in the driver’s seat. He saw a large shadow as the driver’s side door opened and someone stepped out.
“You guys need some help?” Malik heard the deep voice say. It sounded like the voice of a man who is never in any particular hurry.
“Yes, please,” Malik said. “I accidentally drove my frie—” Malik caught himself. “We got stuck on the fence.”
Malik saw the man’s shadow pause, likely looking over at their car. “Well, I’ve seen worse.”
The man continued to walk forward and was illuminated by the headlights. He was tall and thick, like he could have been a former bodybuilder or defensive end. He was wearing a short-sleeved shirt, jeans, boots, and a mesh baseball cap. His arms were covered in tattoos.
“I may be able to help. This old thing here is stronger than she looks.” The man extended his hand to Malik. “I’m Vau. Nice to meet you.”
“I’m Malik,” he said, “and this is Magaly.”
Magaly nodded, and Vau shook her hand as well.
“You guys want to hop in, and we can see about rescuing your car?” Vau said.