Antidote

Pandemic

This is beautiful Julia you got to come to see this. I will be right over Robert. Robert is sitting in the lounge by the table smoking a cigar reading a newspaper he is wearing brown pants with a brown coat and a blue shirt under. Robert was 6ft, he had straight hair and look like an ordinary family man. His wife Julia was 5.7ft and had long brown curly hair and was light in complexion was brown eyes always wore a fitted skirt They lived in one of the biggest houses in the neighborhood. Robert was a businessman, and he was well known amongst politicians. The work he did made him spend little time with his family. Robert would go away for days and return, Julia, knew before she married him what she was getting herself into. She was a former Central intelligence agent after spending years on the force she had to resign for the sake of Kathy.

 Kathy was born in mid-summer when Julia was twenty-nine and Robert was thirty-three years old. After Kathy was born Robert spent more hours working than he was at home putting a lot of strain on Julia to raise Kathy alone. Having such a big house made Julia feel alone most of the time. Being a retired Central intelligence agent made Julia constantly aware of her surroundings. Even though Robert was forced to higher extra security to watch over her.

Her recent mission before retiring made her a primary target after going to Afghanistan and bringing back a few people who were implicated in murdering Americans.

One day when walking out of the house with Kathy in a carrycot she saw an SUV driving by and they pulled out machine guns luckily, she ran inside and locked the door before they could fire that is when she ran to the window firing back at the SUV hitting the driver in the head with a bullet. Kathy was safe. The other gunman was apprehended and taken into custody

Knowing her daughter's life was at risk Julia had to get more burglar bars around her house.

Robert started working more from home, he had his office set up and soundproof, Robert had a close friend who is Charles, Charles was working with Robert in the company. Charles being thirty-two years old no wife or kids made Charles always want to be around Robert wanted to accompany him wherever he went. Julia had her suspicions on Charles since he attempted to kiss her when Robert went overseas on a business trip.

This happened one evening when Charles came over unannounced and was so drunk, he said he loved her, and he always had feelings for her and if it were not for Robert, he would Marry her and he would spend his life treating her like the Queen she is, Julia tried to keep him calm by listening to him attentively and telling him to focus on him and do what makes him happy. Julia was very adamant she is not condoling this behavior of his and she threaten to call the police on him if he continued, she did let him sleepover on the couch not wanting him to get into an accident while being so overly intoxicated with alcohol. That evening she did let Kathy sleep in her room and locked her room door. She felt safe being around her mother and her mother felt at ease knowing her daughter is safe. From what she witnessed in Syria and Iraq she would never let her daughter go near that place, the culture they believe, and how strict they were towards their wives Robert returned, she told Robert what has happened, he confronted Charles, Charles apologized, and everyone went on with their lives as this incident never happened, except Julia, she knew from day one that something was off about Charles as he wanted the life Robert was living.

Julia walked over to Robert while he was reading his newspaper, yes what is it that you wanted to show me?

Robert points to a vocational house two hundred kilometers from where they stay.

This looks beautiful says Julia, as she looks at Kathy playing with her dolls, she will be incredibly happy to get out a bit this indoors is driving us crazy. Great, let me make calls and arrange the bookings says Robert walking to his office.

Julia now calls Kathy to come to eat, as her mom instructs always to wash hands before eating.

The doorbell rings as Julia peaks out of the window. It is Charles wearing his long leather Jacket with black Jean and a blue T-shirt. Hi, Mrs. Hamilton is Robert here? Yes, she says he is in his office you can go through.

Charles had something dark about him he was transparent to Julia and others, they saw him as this most wonderful person. Never judge a book by its cover her Mom always said. Charles, can I offer you some Tea, yes please MRS Hamilton, Julia now leaves Kathy’s food on the table as she goes boils the Kettle.

Charles now walks up to Kathy, hey little one what are you. I am having a tea party says Kathy playing on the floor in the lounge playing with her dolls and have tiny cups on a small wooden table, she now looks at Charles. Sir this is your cup, careful now do not burn. Charles laughs I will be extra care he says, pretending to hold the cup with two hands, he then hands the cup back to her this was delicious Tea I must come to Join for another cup he Jokes. Yes, you must Kathy grins with her front teeth out.

Robert exits his office as he walks over to Charles and shakes his hand Just the man I am looking for.

Julia now looks at Charles in the eyes as she hands him the tea, a tense moment of awkwardness as they both think of what happened that evening. Maybe there is more, Maybe Julia does really like Charles, he is tall and well-built straight hair light in complexion, and brown eyes, she secretively might have liked him but kept it to herself since she and Robert had a daughter.

 Kathy looked through the window of her dad's office and saw her Dad yelling at Uncle Charles, she could see her dad was mad but could not hear what he was shouting about since the office was soundproof. Robert now looks around and sees his daughter is looking at him. Robert smiles at her then close the blinds, Mommy? Why is daddy mad at Uncle Charles? No honey he is not mad. Kathy now goes to the table and eats her vegetables her Mom cooked her. After an hour Charles comes out of the office as Julia notices Robert’s mood has changed. Is everything Ok love she asks him, No, he says, Charles just made the company lose fifty thousand dollars? How did he manage to do that? He said the client had legit documents to do a withdrawal and when lending the money out they found out Later after the Money was handed to the client that the client was not who he said he was, all documents were falsified.

Something is not right about what happened, he has been working for you for so long, how is it possible that the exact amount was taken to the outstanding value of his mortgage that is behind in payment. You are right, but Charlie can never pull off such a stunt. We will review the footage and figure out what happened.

And Kathy saw you upset and asked me about it, I am sorry about that I just forgot to close the blinds. It is fine. So do did you find any vacancy on that vacation house we are going to I miss walking the beach short bare feet. Yes, about that they have an opening for Friday throughout the weekend, so we got two days to prepare Julia grins. Robert now puts on his coat and goes outside into the garden to get the newspaper. Ms. Bartley is outside as she waves to Robert. Hi, she says to him, hi there says Robert how is the family? They good thanks.

MS Bartley is an international model, and she is always traveling around the world however thereafter the Corona Virus came out she could not travel. This was the worst virus ever humanity has ever faced since 1918 when the Spanish flu killed thousands of people. The coronavirus originated in china and spread worldwide in December 2019. Robert also stopped traveling due to the pandemic since no one knew much about the virus.

Ms. Bartley was watering her garden as she walked over to the fence. So, when will you come over for some tea or Coffee she says? I will let you know says Robert, turning around going back into the house. Julia now closes the curtain. I see you getting comfortable with your neighbor she says, no says Robert she was the one with the question he says in a defensive loud tone. I am Joking says Julia, you gave me no reason to distrust you. Robert now walks up to his beautiful wife and hugs her. You the only one I will ever love Julia. We have been married for how many years and you still have that spark of jealousy. Julia rolls her eyes I am not the only one she says. Kathy now hugs her Dad's leg. She is so adorable says her mom pick her up honey. Robert picks her up jokingly saying she is so heavy as they all laugh. Julia looks up at her family and this is everything she ever dreams of.  

Julia enjoyed being outdoors and loved going for long walks on the beach, her ideal evening would be laying on a car roof listening to music staring up at the stars. The time she served as a Central Intelligence Agent taught her to always be prepared for the worst which also made her scared, she has witnessed the worst t*****e one. Robert, can I borrow your car says Julia, sure you can as he turns, he glances at the clock. It is only seven o clock where are you going so early Kathy is up and she needs to go for her vaccination, we discussed this yesterday Robert says Julia in an assertive tone. Robert now sits up I am going with you, no go back to sleep I can manage. Are you sure? Yes, says Julia as she walks to the bathroom to freshen up.

So, what is this injection for says, Robert? It is an injection for her not to get the virus. Ok, I will get a little more sleep and I will see you when you get back. Julia now kisses his cheek and whispers goodbye. Kathy Honey are you ready? Kathy runs up to her she is wearing a yellow hoody with pink boots. Julia cannot help but smile at Kathy’s bright colors. Walking out the door the air is cold as they rush to the car to switch on the heater.

Is Dad not coming with us Mom? No, your Dad wants to come with us, but I said I want to have you all to myself, Kathy grins at hearing her Mom only wants her company. Reversing out of the yard the neighborhood is quiet it is like a ghost town. Julia has her firearm in the holster, as they take the route to the hospital.

The weather is misty, and she can barely see anything as she turns on the headlights. The roads are quiet taking a left turn is a road with a house on opposite sides. She now pulls over and takes a bag out of the back seat I will be right back honey.

 Kathy watches her mom walk going inside the yard as a sketchy guy with a tattoo looks around taking the bag. Julia now looks back to the car as she goes inside the house. She leaves the door open. Kathy now notices two guys with hoodies and jeans hanging to the ground walking down the street.

They look towards the car and notices Kathy inside the car as the one guy who is dark tanned has a black shot beard dirty looking tries to open the door as it would not open Kathy screams the guy knocks on the car window telling her to roll down the window, the other guy who looks older now takes a screwdriver and attempt to open the car. Kathy now screams as Julia comes running out drawing her g*n. The guys attempt to run as Julia puts shots in their legs as they fall to the ground. The guys have their hands up in the air as Julia points the g*n at them. Please we were not going to hurt anyone he pleads. For the first time, Kathy saw a different side of her mother it is as if she was completely someone else. Her mother had no emotion in her eyes towards those guys laying on the ground she trapped on the bullet wound as they screamed in pain.

Julia realized her daughter is watching her, she then holstered the g*n and looked over at the guy she was visiting who is now wearing a brown leather Jacket with long black hair he was as tall as her dad. He had something in his back as he walked up to her, Julia kept glancing at Kathy as saw her mom speaking to this guy, he then put something in her hand as she put it in her Jacket pocket and walked up to the car.

Honey sorry about that, but you need to promise mommy something. Kathy never answered her she was mad at her mom for leaving her alone in the car she sat with crossed arms looking out the window. Hey, Mom then took her hand and said Mommy promise you nothing won, t ever happens to you. Kathy remained silent. You cannot tell daddy what happened here today or that mommy was over at this house? Kathy nods her head her Mom hugged her.

Arriving at the hospital. They went through the vaccination at first Kathy was scared and after the needle stung, she felt better. You were very brave I will get you ice cream said her mom and a doll. Kathy smiled and said ok. Entering the supermarket, it was only a certain amount of people allowed in the store. When there was over one hundred a time it is now only ten customers with social distancing and sanitizing of each customer. This was all new to everyone. Who would have thought that regularly washing hands and wearing a mask will become a part of a daily lifestyle? Kathy kept fidgeting with her mask as her mother constantly reminded her to not remove the mask. While walking through the aisle, Kathy kept scratching her arm where she was given the injection. Julia never noticed as she was focused on her grocery shopping list.

Mommy said Kathy, I am busy honey said Julia, Mommy what honey? My arm is itchy and burning. Honey, it will go away, mommy will make it better when she gets home. Kathy’s arm is hurting as she starts rubbing it.

Julia is to focus on her shopping list to notice that Kathy is becoming red in the face.

They now reach the speed point where they are paying for the grocery as Kathy’s legs start feeling a strong sore. Mom I want to go home she says, yes, we will be going home now says Julia right after I pay for this.

What about your ice cream honey and your doll? Kathy shakes her head she wants to go home. Exiting the supermarket Julia is relieved she got there early because there are now over two hundred people queuing. Walking to the car Julia notices Kathy is noticeably quiet.

Honey are you ok? Kathy shakes her head as her mother opens the car and packs in the grocery, Kathy climbs in by the backseat as she lays her head down and closes her eyes.

Julia now attempts to call Robert and he is not answering his phone, Rushing to the hospital. Julia rushes into the waiting room I need help she shouts frantically. As a nurse approaches her. Hi, I am Becky she says what is the problem, Mam? My daughter just got very feverish, and she is now not waking up. The nurse now calls the porters to assist as they rush to the car Kathy is hot. What did she eat or drink last? She became like this after she took the vaccination injection. Does she have any allergies? No, she does not. Ok get her up to the intensive care unit, this is life-threatening her body temperature is 45 degrees

They now rush Kathy up to the intensive care unit, Julia’s phone is ringing she does not notice it her mind is focused on Kathy, s. Will she be ok said Julia as the nurse tries to calm down. Julia now stands by the door of the intensive care unit, peaking in she now reaches for her phone and sees two miss calls from Robert, she phones him back. I have been trying to get a hold of you where have you been Robert? I had a dentist appointment I think you forgot.

I did forget sorry, anyway I am here to home, and you are not here where are you and Kathy? I am over the hospital after the injection Kathy had a fever and now, she is not waking up. Why did you not try calling me says Robert, I have but you were at the dentist remember anyway get over here I need you so does Kathy.

I am on my way. Julia now hangs up the phone. Looking through a tiny window in the door.

The doctor now walks out he is old and pale he has a mask on as he removes his mask. Are you Mrs.? The doctor opens the folder, MRS. Hamilton? Yes, I am saying Julia in a concerned tone folding her arms, the pacing is she going to be, ok? Since the army, Julia could never cope in certain situations. What happened will my baby be, OK? Dammit answer me she shouts. As the staff now looks out the doors, MRS. Hamilton, please calm down. Did you take the Vaccine? No says Julia scratching her arms nervously. Can we please have a seat over here he says points to the brown armchairs, I am fine she says, Your daughter is fine she will be out in no time, the vaccination she took was the cause of this we kept her hydrated and gave her and antidote?

Please Mrs. Hamilton for the sake of your daughter try to remain calm. Ok says Julia, Can I go see her? The porter is moving her from the intensive care unit. Then you can go see her, do you have any other relatives who went for the vaccine today? No says Julia, Mrs. Hamilton is there something you not telling me says the doctor? You look very anxious; I am sorry doctor says Julia I am having post-traumatic stress disorder. I served in the military. A few years ago, and I am on medication. I would just never imagine seeing my daughter like this. I understand says the doctor are you in therapy? Yes, says Julia thank you. Robert now enters the hospital as Julia runs up to him and hugs him, she will be ok. The doctor now walks up to them I am Doctor Patel, you must be MR. Hamilton? Yes, I am, can I speak to you for a minute please says the doctor. As they now enter a small office. Your daughter is fine, but is your wife getting treatment for her condition? 

Which condition are you referring to doctor? She said she has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Yes, she is. This is my card if you need anything, suddenly people are running in carrying their kids in their arms, we need urgent medical assistance can someone please help the nurse look around and now runs up to the people, what happened? They had the vaccine and became had a fever, Robert now looks around and sees how helpless the kids are laying in their parent’s arms unconscious, the one nurse now runs up to the doctor, we out of rooms and they have all been vaccinated.

Doctor, what do we do? Dr. Patel now asks the nurse how many Doctors are we having on duty? Only three Doctor, People now starts to cough as the doctor tells the nurses to make sure their mask is on and every patient is wearing a mask. Why are we only three doctors on duty? Others called the in sick doctor this pandemic is getting out of control we just had calls from the other hospitals enquiring if we have space to transmit some patience over to here. The doctor now excuses himself; we better get out of here says Robert to Julia, Julia looks around and sees a boy shaking as white foam comes from his mouth, the nurses are very few, Robert you go get Kathy and I will try to assist with this patience. No, you cannot look out by the door, Julia looks out and see people queuing outside the ward is full, and the waiting rooms. Listen to me Julia says Robert I know you want to help but your daughter, our daughter needs both her parents this flu has gone out of control.

Julia now looks around and t the nurses who are trying to gain control of what is happening. And she sees the kids are sick and some have collapse vomit laying on the floor as they shaking as if they are having an epilepsy fit. Julia keeps focus our kid needs us, Robert now takes her hand and goes to the ward and looks at Kathy she is under a drip, he now raises his voice Julia snaps out of it. She now turns to her daughter and runs to the bed holding the drip while Robert picks her up. And they carry her out of the hospital people are pushing between the doors to get in as Robert barges through them. He now climbs behind the wheel of his car while laying Kathy down on the back seat while Julia Holds the drip. Julia’s eyes are teary as she sees those helpless kids laying on the pavement. They all react to the vaccine, there is no driving space in the road as Robert holds the hooter in while driving, it is chaos all over.

What are we going to do Robert? Lock our doors and let nobody in our premises is very secure.

Robert now takes out his phone, who are you going to call? My guards, he tries phoning and there is no answer, Robert tries again still no answer. Where are they when I need them, he slams the phone down and drives home the highway is blocked off, he now reverses the car and takes a different route?

There is a route if you take a right here and then a short left, he now takes the routes Julia suggests and finds a clear road leading home they then climb out of the car as they hear police sirens and gunshots close by.

Let us get in the house, they now enter the door as they close the gate and lock the door a police car stops by the house outside the premises, Robert goes upstairs and lays Kathy down on the bed. He then checks her temperature it is thirty-seven, heading downstairs he hears the cops outside his house demand that the person drop their weapon, suddenly gunshots go off.

 Julia now goes downstairs to the basement and gets firearms tossing one to Robert  

 we might need these as they look out the window the cops are laying injured Julia and Robert now looks at each other as they run outside and shoots down toward the gunman who shots the cops, they then take off running down the road as Julia and Robert carries the cops inside.                                                                                                           

They were shot in the chest, what is your name? I am officer Philip and that’s officer Michael. Julia now gets on the radio with dispatch this is a 10-78 the two injured officers look at Julia are you a cop. Robert now takes the bulletproof vest you will be fine says, Robert.

What is the status of this call? Cops shot and suspects on the run. The officers now stand up and take the radio, dispatch this is officer Philip we are ok, suspects heading north of boulevard crescent,

All unit, armed suspects on the run approach with caution, I do repeat approach with caution.

The Officers now stand up and thanks them as they head out of the door. We need to keep everything locked this pandemic has caused Havoc and we need to be extra cautious now Julia.

Julia heads on upstairs as they hear a sudden scream from outside, it is a lady being dragged by her hair by four armed guys Julia now runs down and Robert stops her they are not alone he says as they look out of the window there are three vans following behind them driving on 20kmh they heavy-armed. Julia now looks over to Robert what is happening? They are killing people due to limited food resources. But why? Well, there is not enough to go around since the economy is a mess because of the pandemic. So, what are we going to do we cannot hide out here forever we will need to get food supplies? I know says Robert and we will get food supplies when it quiets down.

They now go upstairs to check on Kathy she is still asleep. But she got color in her face looking much better than earlier. Julia now sits by Kathy’s running her fingers through her hair, looking out the window she could see into the neighbor’s house. She then saw the women folding washing in the opposite room. The woman could not see her because she had a net over the window.

Spying on the neighbor said Robert, No says Julia as she walks over to close the curtain she then looks down and sees four vans stopping by the neighbor’s Robert she whispers, yes? The same van that was dragging the lady down the road is back again. There climbs a guy out who had a blue jean arm Jacket short black hair, dark tanned looks like he's in his mid-twenties, he then points up to the window as they look up and starts unpacking guns as six other guys all armed. Now walks to the door, we must warn her Robert! She has a baby in the house. Julia now takes her g*n. We do not have enough ammunition. Wait the baby is this weekend with Ryan says Julia, but we should still warn her. If you do that, they will come for us also Julia now looks through the curtain as the guys threw MS July on the bed.

She is screaming and trying to break loose as the one guy takes a butcher knife and starts hitting her continuously with a blade Julia’s eyes are teary as she witnessed how her Ms. July got chopped up. Those people are heartless as Robert grabs Julia from the back holding her mouth keeps quiet, they are looking towards this house. Julia is angry and wants to kill them, but she now has Kathy to consider. Keep quiet says Robert they will see us;  I wish they would see us so I can show them what my training taught me. They are cowards how could they do that to her. If there were not so many of them, Kathy now walks into the room                                                                                                                                                                                         Mommy and Daddy why are you on the floor Robert, crawls over to her we are playing hide and seek. Do you want to play with us, yes says Kathy rubbing her eyes, Robert whispers in her ear as Kathy laughs and climbs under the bed?

Julia is looking out of the window as she watches the guys goes climb into their cars, the one guy keeps looking up it is as if he can see someone as Kathy climbs out and runs to the window. He spots her, and winks climbing into the car and not making the other guys aware he knows they are there. Do you think they will come back? Julia shrugs her shoulder. We must prepare for the worst she says. I saw the look in his eyes and that was not just a look of forgetting we are here; it was a look of evil. What do you mean says Robert? Julia looks at him they are coming back later. How do you know that? I served in the military and I was a former agent, Julia now stands up and goes downstairs where are you going? Prepare for it to come. Kathy follows her Mom and Dad downstairs, she is hungry Robert please warm her that food I made it is in the fridge, Julia goes down to the basement as she takes out a sledgehammer and hits the concrete ground. Robert enters the basement, what are you doing?