[ she'd argue that this isn't expecting the worst, it's more like bracing herself for it. if they can't find a cure fast enough, if she becomes a danger to someone else, if push comes to shove. she's watched members of their team take out groups of the infected with little to no concern for the person inside who's suffering from an illness. they have to protect the lives of the people who can be saved, and she gets it - she does. things don't look great for her right now.]

That's why I need you out there. If you're still fighting, then there's hope.

[ it won't comfort him, Emma's not so far gone that she can't see how this hurts him. it hurts her, too, but she thinks that just bleeds into everything else she's feeling; the anger, the disappointment, how all of her aches from trying to fight the virus. she'd rather be in his arms and she knows he's right - touch helps. all those nights they spent sharing a bed or a couch or a blanket on the floor, the mornings when she'd hit the snooze button to steal a few more minutes long after they were both awake; maybe all of that delayed this.

he's protected her for longer than he should have, a realization she's struggling with because she has to consider the possibility that he knew before she did. it's not the result that seems to surprise him, only what she's decided to do with it.]

I never wanted to ask this of you, but it had to be you. I trust you.