-
Author Insight
Shannon's virus and Coronavirus
Long before Covid-19 hit our radar screens, I placed my character Shannon in Power Multiplied [lauching on the 20th] into virus trouble of her own. Her virus runs more along the lines of ebola than Covid-19's attack on the respiratory system, but in writing the scene, I spent some time pondering how I would feel if I learned I had contracted a deadly virus, just as I wonder now how I would feel if I contracted Covid-19. I live in Washington State, where there have been 11 deaths so far, primarily because the virus swept through a nursing home. Can you imagine how the other residents of the Home must feel? Terrified? Resigned? Stubbornly optimistic that they will not become one of the fallen? I am in the vulnerable demographic; and I am susceptible to respiratory problems. This means to me that if the virus comes to my county or my city, I will be closing my front door and hunkering down with my chocolates and diet Dr. Pepper until the danger is passed. No panic, no fear, but calm deliberation. And if I come down with the thing? I hope I can fight the illness with grace and determination. And live.
Book Excerpt
Power Multiplied
After a while, she let loose of Roebor’s fur to wipe sweat off her forehead. “It’s getting so hot in here. Do you think Essi has a fever?” she asked, as she floated along behind Roebor’s head.
Roebor stopped and turned to her. The surroundings have not changed temperature, D. He peered into her face, placed a paw gently against her entire face. You’re the one who has the fever, not Essi. You are flushed as well. Do you feel any aching in your muscles? Other symptoms?
“Yes, to the aches, and I feel generally a little dicey, like with the flu—tired, upset tummy issues, but that could just be from all this moving through dark space and my metabolic issues, don’t you think?” Shannon’s nose began to run. She automatically tried to block it with the back of her hand, then swung her hand back to her side.
“Probably too soon to—“
Roebor grabbed her hand and held it high, forcing Shannon to look at it. The back of her hand ran red with blood.
* * *
Shannon stared at Roebor. The pale silver-blue fire in his eyes flickered wildly.
“This virus isn’t anything like ebola, is it?” Shannon asked.
I do not know the disease ebola. But on other planets this virus causes massive internal bleeding, and at the end, bleeding from nose, mouth, eyes, everywhere.
Not unlike ebola. That’s all she wrote, then. The virus had infected her. She was a dead woman walking.
For a minute or more they floated in the vast black expanse, their movements frozen, staring at each other.
Click Follow to receive emails when this author adds content on Bublish
Comment on this Bubble
Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.