Event Horizon

Chapter 12

Nothing?

Yeah, nothing. Is this just per protocol or were you actually hopeful?

I just think we shouldn't overlook anything, Lucas.

The planet's soaked in mercury, Liesel. How's earth?

Oh, no good.

Hm?

There's been a disease rampaging east coast. It's been, I think, like three months, and the authorities still don't know what to call it.

A really bad one, that's what.

...

Sorry.

"When d'you have work?" Mathilda asked, picking at half a sticker that stuck stubbornly to the leg of a glass coffee table.

"Class usually starts at ten. Nothing for today, though."

"Isn't this your second offday this week?"

"Yup." She checked her phone and crossed out more days on her calendar. She was beginning to grow irate.

"So what'd you do with all the free time?"

Liesel shrugged. "Read, I guess. Recommend me some books?"

"I haven't touched one in eons." There was only a little adhesive left on the table, but Mathilda still thought it bothersome. "Haven't done that since high school."

"Why? Seems unlike you."

"Didn't have the time. I get a job and I get real busy, lose the job and get even busier."

Liesel didn't look like she was listening. She placed a sidelong glance at her friend before continuing to stare at an old lamp.

"What ails ya, buddy?"

"Nothing much. D'you feel guilty when other people die?"

The question was a little startling.
"Not unless I killed them, no. Is this about the disease?"

"No, not really."

"Speaking of, didn't you mention doing something about the whole air issue?"

Liesel hesitated. "Yes, and?"

"Well, what is it?"

"Another time."

To sweep out some tension, she turned on the television. Other than children's cartoons, the only broadcasts on the channels were news. Even those were rarely ever interesting– aside from whatever updates there were on the disease, all of it were blank signal fillers, or details on the life of a person Liesel didn't care about.

"...he was spotted eating chicken nuggets while walking out of a store. He dips them in ketchup!"

"I wish I was a bird," Liesel said. She never moved her eyes from the screen, even if there was nothing to look at.

"Why?"

"Birds don't give a damn. They just fly over whatever it is."

"...she opens the car door herself and gets in! All over the internet, people are..."

"I thought you liked being occupied."

"It's not the same."

"...and that's all for today! Be sure to tune in tomorrow for—

A mechanical tone, slowly rising in volume, permeated the room.

"We regret to interrupt the broadcast. This is an important message."

"Oh?"

"Well that's a little more interesting." A chime began to sound.

"SODD, severe oxygen deprivation disease, has been classified as a nationwide emergency. Symptoms include, but are not limited to: a reduced or lack of taste or smell, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, and vomiting."

"Goodness." Mathilda looked towards the television. It was flashing red and black.

"Citizens of the Chesterdale, Watford, and Millstone districts are required to self-isolate within their homes. Do not engage in in-person contact with those not already living in your household. Do not eat or drink anything from outside sources. Most importantly, do not panic."

"I have a friend in Millstone," Liesel remarked as she adjusted her earrings, which had begun to hurt. "I hope she's alright. How is your brother, by the way?"

"...We don't really talk. Haven't caught up with him."

"Citizens of central and western districts are also recommended to follow these protocols. The current mortality rate of SODD is at 15%. Please stay calm; it will be over soon. Thank you for your cooperation."

"That rate's a little high," Mathilda noted.

Something washed ashore in Liesel's mind. "Do you like camping?"

"Did it once; it was alright."

"I'm sorry, I just felt like asking if you wanted to go tonight." She checked her calendar again. "I mean, today's a Friday. And all the disease stuff and already being cooped up in here, it really does something to an old lady. We should go out while we still can."

"Can't say I'm against the idea, but do you know where you're going?"

"There's a good spot, but it's a bit of a drive. Worth it though– you can really feel the difference."

She thought of the forest she had to settle for as a child, before she learned how to drive. Liesel treasures her solitude, but too much of it becomes sickening.

"I'm fine with that." Mathilda arched her back out a little before getting up. "Time isn't really of my concern at the moment. We can pack up now, if you want to."