A Second Wave-The Surge

Chapter 11-Simon

                                                                                Chapter 11

Simon

After ordering something to eat and getting my mind focused on work, I start working on my idea for the economy part of the equation. Showing the percentage of cases that could potentially go down with following the science. A face mask, social distancing, testing, and contact tracing will allow for businesses to remain open once the average rate is down.

I pause for a second to wonder if Shelby would even want me to show this. I remember how she did her presentations and worked the political side. I have to also think of the reputation of the company Shelby built and what we want to provide without alienating our clients or not getting potential clients. Not able to decide what to do, I lift my fingers off the button to analyze the figures. What to do? I say to myself. I need to clear my head and walk away from it for a short period of time. When I do this the answers seem to manifest themselves just at the oddest times.

I grab my keys and my mask. I decide to take a walk on the hotel grounds to gain some perspective. The grounds are nice. They remind me of the garden in Italy with Shelby. I sit down on one of the couches and look over the flowers. The sun is setting so that same orange glow appears. My mind wanders to Shelby and I standing on the patio and I put my arm around her as she leaned into me. It was one of our first intimate moments. I would give anything to be there with her right now.

A couple walks by and they are both wearing masks. I look around at some of the other people and many are not wearing masks. Do they not understand they are not only endangering themselves but others as well? Allowing the virus to spread will only increase the strength and mutation rate of the virus. The more spread, the more difficulty for a vaccine. I also wonder how will a vaccine really work with a virus that crosses the blood-brain barrier. Getting the rate of cases down helps in so many ways. Less likely to contract, ability to stay on top of contact tracing, continue testing, and it gives us the ability to lower the curve. It is like putting out an ember before it becomes a fire. I smile to myself, liking the analogy, and decide to use it in my presentation. I take out my phone and open the notes application and start moving my fingers quickly on the screen. I enter the statement not to forget the scenario and add to the presentation.

"Fancy meeting you here." I look up and see it is Samantha addressing me. She is dressed differently than in New York. She has on cream-colored pants and a shirt that is loosely buttoned. The color brings out her tanned skin and the sun shines on her blonde hair, making her look angelic.

"You are in Florida now?" I question as she takes the seat next to me.

"Travel, that is my life. The spikes in the virus send me to those areas. Almost the same as you." She giggles and pushes my shoulder lightly. It is that type of interaction you had in middle school when you like someone. I immediately feel guilty as if I am cheating on Shelby which I would never do. Was I flirting with her or is she flirting with me? I ignore the gesture as I am not interested in that way and continue our conversation professionally.

"I think it is very important to make everyone aware what is going on. You have a very important vehicle to use to get the word out."

"That is very kind of you to say. Most people think we are like lawyers' ambulance chasers and just want to tell the negative news. They don't understand that I want to help inform them of issues and hopefully with the awareness can come action to resolve some of our issues." She looks down shyly. "Sorry I get passionate sometimes about what I do."

"Do not be embarrassed. I think it is commendable what you do. Shelby..." I pause.

"Shelby?" she questions, knowing I do not want to give out information on our personal relationship.