Quarantined

A new virus has ravaged the world named Northeastern Aerofibiric Virus, or NAV for short. The symptoms are flu-like with side symptoms of pneumonia and bronchitis. Except the world isn’t the same anymore, it’s a new world and along with it - a new world order.

In this new world, people don’t go outside their homes; they don’t leave their windows open for long since it is an airborne virus. If people do go outside, they must have at least an N-95 mask; otherwise, the virus would easily slip into their lungs. People are under quarantine 24/7. Even if you don’t have the virus, you must stay home.

The healthcare systems worldwide were tested. Even the world’s best healthcare systems came crashing down. This virus infected people exponentially. In one week, cases went from One hundred thousand to Six hundred thousand because people assumed this was not a threat. These people didn’t know the danger of viruses and pandemics. The governments tried warning the people, but the people were unconcerned.

They kept going out to parks, restaurants, and everywhere else. They didn’t practice social distancing. And ultimately, for some of them, it ended up costing their lives.

Finally, the governments started putting out fines for going out excessively or for no reason. But it wasn’t enough because what had been done was irreversible. Now in this new world order, staying at home was the norm, and so were the military troops on the streets.

In this new world order, life was peaceful. I think someone made this virus because such powerful viruses don’t just appear out of nowhere.

My name is Dyson Artevius, and I’m 16. I’m keeping a record of this event, so people know what happened to my family.

It’s been six and a half months since I’ve been staying at home with my family. Schools closed a month before that, and essential groceries are delivered once every two weeks by the military. Going out of the house is risky because either the virus gets you or the military does. Every single thing is closed except the hospitals, and Fire and Police departments.

“Dyson, can you come down to help me cook dinner,” Mom asked.

“Sure thing, Mom.” I went downstairs to help her.

“We’re making Alfredo sauce pasta,” Mom exclaimed!

I wasn’t really into pasta. I liked meals that didn’t include pasta or any of that stuff.

“Mom, can’t we make anything else?” I begged.

“Sorry, Dyson. Edgar asked me before you to make pasta,” Mom said.

Edgar did this to torture me. Edgar is my annoying ten-year-old brother. He knew I hated pasta, especially with alfredo sauce. To be completely honest, Edgar was annoying, and I didn’t even know how I tolerated him. I’d talk to Edgar. I needed to understand why he kept doing this to me. Forget talking to him, there was no point. I’d just go on my laptop and do something fun.

Then I got a call from my best friend, Randy.

“Hi, Dyson. How are you doing,” Randy asked.

“I’m doing fine.” While I was talking to Randy, the military was at our door.

“OPEN UP,” the soldier yelled.

“Dyson, can you get the door,” Mom asked.

“I am. Just a minute.”

As I walked down the stairs, I felt scared. Why was the military here? Did one of us test positive for NAV? Were we going to get arrested? So many questions filled my mind, but I just needed to act normal.

“Hi, sir, how may I help you.”

He came in, closing the door behind him.

“I’m looking for Jordan Artevius,” the soldier said.

“He’s my father. Why are you looking for him?”

Nothing could have prepared me for what the soldier said next.

“He has tested positive for Northeastern Aerofibric Virus,” the soldier said seriously.

As soon as he said it, I fainted on the floor, unconscious. No wonder dad was coughing and sneezing the last few days. Although he was on the other side of the house, the thought that plagued me was: If Dad has it, do I have it?”