Plague
The
Western world was swept by an epidemic of plague. News and media spread
information about bioterrorism in USA and Europe. Within a few days
the situation had worsened to a point where the biggest cities no
longer functioned. The chaos was complete with electricity breaks,
cuts in the water supply, and the stop of public transportation.
Sari
and I took the precaution of avoiding public places and staying indoors.
We shared the space with a number of other people. These were part
of an orchestra where Sari played the cello.
I
had watched the orchestra rehearse when the news about the epidemic
was announced. The authorities instructed people to stay where they
where until the danger had passed. As long as external contact was
avoided, people would be safe.
The
uncertaintly was distressing. Everyone was tired. Still the orchestra
practiced every now and then. The classical music soothed our nerves.
I
listened to the music and watched the musicians play. In the dim light,
arranged in a row, they read their notes while playing their instruments.
One musician almost fell down. Hopefully that was only due to tiredness.
The
band played on. The music was dark and somber. I observed Sari. Her
face was pale and wet with perspiration. Clearly she had trouble concentrating.
I rushed to her aid. She would have collapsed unless I had caught
her fall. What were those red patches on her skin...?
"The
plague is here too!" somebody shouted.
"Get the sick out of here!"
Opening
the door I dragged Sari out. There were people lying on the stairs.
I tried not to inhale. Only outside I took a deep breath of fresh
air.
I
didn't know what to do. Sari might have been lost by now. Still we
couldn't stay here. I tried to reach a house nearby, but it was full
of people.
I
got an idea that we should try to get into a ship and then take a
trip overseas so as to save ourselves from the epidemic. We ran to
the outskirts of the city. But Sari had trouble keeping abreast with
me. She slowed down and eventually wouldn't go on. Reluctantly I left
her lying on the ground.
A
carriage approached from behind. I waved at the driver begging him
to stop the horses. The driver's nose and mouth were covered with
a black cloth. I asked him to take me to the harbour. There seemed
to be space in the coach.
The
coach man was greedy and asked for money. I gave him all my savings.
Yet I had no guarantee that I could manage to get aboard the ship.
