chapter two:hideaway

It has been two weeks since the Missouri Department of Health issued a health bulletin through a live TV Emergency Alert System message. The unexpected confusion that followed was like a spicy margarita of chaos in the city of Columbia and beyond. During those two weeks, things could improve or deteriorate. Unfortunately, the situation has worsened significantly, leading to coverage by major national news outlets such as NBC's Today show and MSNBC. This unexpected turn of events is like going from waking up feeling good to waking up on the wrong side of the truck bed feeling hungover and wanting to silence a noisy bird with a 45. Sitting at the kitchen island, I noticed the beautiful marble countertop that my dad let me choose for the house after renovating it. My dad, brother, and brother-in-law aimed for a bachelor pad look, but we settled on something more suited to modern style. Naturally, I had my laptop open and began organizing my employees' work schedules, including their paid vacation days, alongside their regular paychecks. I was handling all aspects of running a small business, including scheduling client meetings and employee gatherings. Hey Kia, what are you working on? asked by Sarge, my brother-in-law, who had stayed home from work to keep an eye on me and make sure I had someone to talk to throughout the day. I know the basic aspects of running a small graphic design business Sarge. as I worked on my laptop, I was unaware that the screen displayed through the lenses of my glasses, which provided a clearer and more comfortable view than the contacts I had worn since my return to Missouri.

Kieran, I understand that you are feeling stressed out. Please just let me know what is wrong. Sarge said to me while he was Leaning against the counter with his arms crossed, he gave me the same stern look my dad gives when he knows I'm stressed out. Sighing, I gave Sarge a knowing look that I knew would make him happy and responded in a calm tone of voice. Alright, Shane, you caught me. I'm feeling stressed about the situation, especially with my mom visiting me and my older brother while I'm running a business.

I can see that you're stressed out, kiddo. Your behavior and the way you're downing those energy drinks are clear indicators. Also, I believe your dad mentioned that your mom will come over once he gets home and when Kenny finishes work. he stated as he was making sure things was going to plan and plus helping me with everything.

When night fell, my dad and older brother returned home from work, and my mom arrived to find me preparing dinner which was chicken curry with eggrolls and rice while the TV played in the background. I was watching MSNBC to catch up on the news about the virus spreading in Colombia, and it ended up being covered by national news outlets in the United States.

this is MSNBC is reporting breaking news from Columbia, Missouri, where Missouri state health officials have observed a rapid spread of a covid-like illness in various areas over the past few days. In response, Boone County has implemented restrictions and health guidelines for the next week or two to curb further transmission of the pathogen. said the unnamed male reporter who is covering the story on national tv.

Health experts are warning that this situation could lead to a pandemic. If the spread is not controlled, it may spread to other states and even other countries. Officials have confirmed that about three thousand individuals have been infected, a significant jump from the previous count of around 100. A few deaths have also been recorded. The Missouri department of health and the CDC are working together to gather samples of the pathogen for identification. he stated right after my mother came into the kitchen to sadly interrupt me in the middle of cooking.

Young lady, you know better than to cook while I'm around. said Claria. I let out a loud sigh and shook my head as I stirred the chicken and reached for the coconut milk. In a cool, calm, and stern tone, I mentioned that I was preparing chicken curry with red chili and coconut milk and asked if there was an issue. Right before my mother could say anything, she was interrupted by the familiar, unpleasant dial tones of the EAS, also known as the Emergency Alert System, but this time it was something out of the ordinary. A black screen displayed a red line with moving text announcing an emergency alert and civil emergency message issued for the Columbia area.

A missing persons alert has been issued by the Columbia Police Department and the Boone County Sheriff's Department Missing Persons Unit. Within the last hour, seven individuals, unrelated to one another, have been reported missing. These individuals were exhibiting strange behavior before their disappearance, such as being unresponsive when spoken to and appearing disoriented. Authorities are concerned that their behavior may escalate and pose a threat to public safety. If you witness anyone nearby behaving unusually, do not approach them. Instead, call 911 immediately and provide information on the person's whereabouts. Thank you for your cooperation.