Hand sanitizer was the scent of work. That, and burning flesh. But the nurse didn't mind, didn't let it bother her that she never truly got the scent out of her nose, even when she was home, sitting in front of the TV, listening as the government told her what was happening abroad. The machine was what kept her nation from being like the ones on TV, and she had always found it an honor to work for the doctor who flipped the switch and saved the nation, every single day. What's a little burning flesh scent when it meant peace?

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She never once questioned the machine. Everyday, she clocked in, typing her identification number into the pad on the wall, and helped the doctor with the victims who needed their help.

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Above is the start of the short story B283DGF1, which was a Vocal+ Fiction Award finalist. The full short story is available on Vocal. Link below.