The storm noise faded as the new door slid shut behind me. I crossed the foyer to the security door, my footsteps echoing in the stillness. I had forgotten the keypad code so I rang the bell and waited.
Reception was deserted too. When someone finally came, it was Miss Hope herself. I followed her along the pleasingly jostle-free emptiness of the main corridor as she walked back to her room.
Inside, the open plan with comfy chairs was no more. She retreated behind a large glass screen and carefully removed her PPE. I sat on the easy-wipe chair that was the only item this side of the screen and lowered my mask.
Presently she was ready and smiled through the …