The Plague

Chapter One Promise

"And tonight's top story is about the rumors going around about Arlington County," the news anchor said.
"What is that Hannah?" The other anchor asked.
"The rumor is that The Plague is existing in that county, affecting hundreds. The World Health Organization has declared that in the city of Charlotte twenty people are being treated and the doctors said it is being well handed. It is-" the news anchor, Hannah said, then was cut off by mum turning off the television. She looked pale, and worried. We live in Charlotte, but we thought it was a rumor.
"It'll be fine darling," daddy coaxed, rubbing mum's back.
"I just... I thought The Plague had left. We were lucky enough to survive the first time," she sighed, worry lines all over her face.
"But can't we just move?" I blurted, knowing the answer.
"Honey, you know they won't let anyone go in or out of Charlotte for the past few years," she sighed, and I nodded.
Since the first time it happened, no one was let in or out. The only way we get food is by trains, who stop outside the city and drop it off for it to be checked by the government.
"Mary, Cathy, I promise, promise, things will get better. There will be a day we won't be worried about diseases, or if we'll get sick. Things will get better, I promise," daddy said, holding mine and mum's hand.
"I love you daddy and mum," I said, hugging them both.
"I love you," mum and daddy both said.
"Mum, can I go to the library?" I inquired, hoping she'd say yes. Books, drawing, singing, and music were my only escapes.
"I suppose. Be back by 6:30 for dinner," she said, and I grabbed my port. It's pretty much a cell phone, but is a piece of glass with framed edges. I sighed, happy to be outside and started my 1/2 mile walk to the library. Once I made my way there, I was stopped at the front door. It was a NurseBot, designed by the government to be a nurse.
"Hello, please put your index finger near my left hand for blood testing for Chanson Disease," the droid asked, and I did.
"Blood analysis, clear. You may enter Charlotte Public Library," it said, and the automatic doors opened.
"Good evening dear," the librarian smiled, and I returned her smile.
After 45 minutes of looking, I realized I had 15 minutes left, just enough to walk home. So I started walking home, but I noticed a boy, about 16, walking behind me, taking each turn I took. What the heck? Oh shoot, mum's calling. It's 6:45, I guess that guy following me distracted me.
"Where are you?" Mum asked, concern written in her voice.
"M-mummy, there's a boy...about 16 I think, following me. I-I'm scared," I stuttered.
"He's following you? Okay, go to Goodwin Park, and go into the women's bathroom. Don't come out until I go in there, I'll drive you home, okay? Stay safe, I love you," she said, concern very thick in her voice now. Dad's going to be furious with this lad that's following me. At first I was hesitant because mum might've not believed me, but I don't get scared easily like that, her and dad know it.