Chapter One: Unfiltered

On an ordinary day in town, the traffic to the school suddenly shifted to distance education, also known as virtual education. It seemed that half of the school had gotten the flu, though the exact reason was unclear. Growing up as the daughter of a U.S Marine, I recall how my dad made sure to protect me, especially when my mom left him for another man, knowing that she had only used my dad for money. During a challenging period of my life, things became tumultuous after my mother left both my father and me. Occasionally, she reaches out to check on me and invites me to visit her in Southern California during the summer. While alone at home, I sat on the couch and switched on the TV to watch Komu, also known as channel 8 news. It's the closest thing to NBC, and I can only imagine what my dad is thinking. I sighed and began to unwind for the day as school was on a long break because of a strange new coronavirus spreading in Colombia, making me question everything that had been going on. I wondered what was happening in this busy city as I watched the news on TV, hoping it wouldn't rain later and ruin my plans to go for a jog this afternoon.

Thank you for watching KOMU 8 news in Columbia. Today's main story is about a significant increase in a virus similar to coronavirus in Boone County, according to the Missouri Department of Health. The specific strain of the virus is still unknown, as mentioned by Taylor Freeman. Up to now, there have been at least 120 confirmed cases, and the initial patient has not been identified. The primary method of transmission remains unknown at this time. Symptoms of the new strain of coronavirus include dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, extreme fatigue, digestive issues like upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea, pain such as headaches or body aches, fever, chills, and cold-like symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, or sore throat. Additionally, some individuals may experience sensitivity to light and headaches. Multiple school districts have reported temporary closures to protect their students from getting sick. The index patient and the origin of the outbreak remain unidentified when an Emergency Alert System interrupts the news with a health update. The unpleasant noise of the EAS made me wonder about the person who created it and shoot it a disapproving glare because the noise was unpleasant but still managed to grab my attention with the wretched noise. Later, a green screen displaying "civil emergency" appeared on the television screen. All the necessary information was shown, and I only remember that a computerized voice began speaking the following.

A bulletin has been issued by the Missouri State Department of Health to all residents of Boone County regarding a growing outbreak believed to be a variant of the coronavirus. Most cases are concentrated in the Columbia Metropolitan area, with some cases reported in suburban areas. The spread of this pathogen is unusually fast, prompting safety measures in Boone County. A city-wide curfew is in place in Columbia from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and residents are required to keep a safe distance from others, except for household members. These measures will be enforced for at least a week starting tonight. It is also advised to maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and avoiding close contact if feeling unwell. Stay updated through local media channels for the latest updates. The sound returned, leaving me shocked and confused. I remained on the couch trying to process everything, knowing that my dad was also aware of the situation.

well, that's new. As I thought to myself, Witnessing the EAS message on live TV left me feeling bewildered and confused about the unexpected turn of events. While I was still on the couch, trying to make sense of the news along with the sudden EAS health bulletin, I found myself wondering about what was truly unfolding in the lovely city where I reside. Unbeknownst to me, my dad was outside messing with the front door's doorknob, preparing to unlock it.

Hello, baby sis, how did your day go? Said Kenny, also known as Sergei, just walked into the house with his husband, Sarge, which is nothing new. In one setting, I responded to the question with a sigh, conveying both confusion and pure stress in my tone of voice. It has been a day, Sergei. It has been a day. When Sarge heard the sound of my voice, he understood that school was canceled indefinitely. He could see that my day was filled with confusion and stress because I was a college graduate from the University of Missouri with a master's degree in graphic design and had also run a business in high school. Right before Sarge could speak, mine and older brother's dad entered the house after his long drive from Fort Leonard Wood and finishing his shift.

hey dad, did you have a long day too? I asked since I know when he had one of those long days at work and the fact that he just got home earlier than expected. He let out a heavy sigh and replied in a tired yet puzzled tone, yes, I've just arrived home sooner than anticipated because of the message I received from your school. Additionally, your brother mentioned the strange emergency health alert that was issued 15 minutes ago.

Later that night, we began to unwind and continue reflecting on the events unfolding earlier, as we decided to order our usual Chinese takeout and pizza from Pizza Hut because we were getting hungry as the night progressed. At just 16 years old, I can't stop myself from wondering about my future and whether I should make the most of my teenage years before it's too late. Sitting on my bed, I have a meal of General Chicken and Sweet and Sour Chicken with rice, along with the typical sides that come with Chinese food. Holding chopsticks, I turn on Fear the Walking Dead to relax my mind.