John scoffed. "No way! Do you think I am an idiot? Everyone knows about how desperate you are to get out of here. And you are still contagious!"
"I won't infect anybody, I promise. I'll just hide out in the wilderness away from people. And Kim will be with me. She will keep me in check, " pleaded Heather.
John remained stone-faced, and crossed his arms as he glared at her.
"She'll die if she stays in here. If you love her, you have to set her free, " said Heather.
John looked at Kim's sleeping head with love and concern. He reached out to touch her neck, wanting to comfort her. But he withdrew his hand, afraid to be contaminated. "It will be okay. We have each other. That should be enough."
"Oh, I see. You can't bear to let her go. Your precious little pet. Is your desire to be with her really more important then her happiness? " said Heather.
"Of course not! " said John angrily. But deep down he secretly wondered if it was. When Heather first suggested escape, the first thought that had entered his mind was concern over how he would ever be with Kim again if she fled into the wilderness. He certainly couldn't live out there like an animal, like Kim and Heather could.
"Whatever. There is another way you could help. And you could be with her. You could always get contaminated. Then, you would become just like us. Maybe finally consummate your relationship. Trust me, I wouldn't mind. I would stay out of your way, " said Heather.
John was quiet, and seemed lost in thought. Heather knew he was considering it. He had probably thought about it many times before.
Heather pressed further. "If you really wanted to be with her - and I mean truly become one with her - then you could just merge with us. No two lovers in the history of the world have been closer than that. You would know her more intimately than you ever thought possible. I don't mind. There is always room for one more."