Tess didn't smile; she just nodded gravely, moving towards the doctor with intent to follow her deeper into the clinic. There was no point in letting any concern or worry show, no point in being friendly. Some women might do that –– Tess certainly knew plenty of women who would smile their way through the apocalypse if they thought it'll help them get ahead –– but not Tess.

Tess knew that the swiftest way to get what she wants is to make demands, so that is what she did.

"It's an emergency," she replied. "And I'll need a room with a door for privacy."