A Second Wave-The Surge

Chapter 23-Simon

Chapter 23

Simon

Hotel food is just not the same. I ordered a pasta dish which was not bad but I compared it to the dish Shelby made me in Italy. I worked on the changes to the presentation while eating, knowing that my time after will be talking to Shelby. The numbers are climbing by the hour. I don't understand the politics, well I do, but the economic parts I put in the presentation give some pretty creative ways to help maintain the economy while keeping people safe.

The television is on in the background with every news channel reporting the same thing. I find myself stopping periodically, still disgusted with what happened to that poor man. Some reporters are calling out the protestors for making the pandemic worse. I don't see the issue. They are wearing masks. Agreed they are not social distancing but at least they are outside. Plus, there are some things that are just too important, I think to myself and I know without even a hesitation that I would risk my life to save hers. It is not even a second thought.

I really do not understand what is happening with our world. People have rights, all people have rights. No one should be scared to walk down the street and be harassed for the clothes they wear, the color of their skin or even their sexual orientation. I heard Shelby once a long time ago in an interview answer a question. She said, "everyone bleeds the same in my eyes." I have never forgotten it as I thought what a profound way to communicate how humanity should be as a planet. Just then I remember my dad texted me earlier and I was tied up with work and did not respond. Looking at my phone, I also realize I have not heard from Shelby. My father's text is disturbing. He is upset about how the UK is also protesting and the government is not listening to the people.

My family has always been open to everyone even with my father's prestige position. He always taught my sister and me that we are all equal regardless of the job we hold or how much money we make. Everyone contributes to this world, he once said. I would so love to have Shelby meet my family. I know they would fall in love with her just like I have. I text him back about what is happening in the states and that I am proud of how he is supporting the protestors and to wear a mask to stay safe. My mom and dad are older. Both are healthy but with this virus it does not discriminate.

Patients that I thought would perish quickly end up recovering. They have significant long-haul symptoms but at least they are still alive. I then think of some of the younger patients that I have had. No comorbidities, healthy, and they perish very quickly. I know the numbers are not high for this to be happening. But one life lost is just one too many in my eyes.

Just then my phone comes alive and I see that it is Shelby. Not sure why but I quickly go to lay on the bed, wanting to be comfortable talking to her. My fingers swipe over to answer. "Thought you forgot about me," I say, deciding to start with teasing her and see how her mood is. She has still been distant but not as much as before but her demeanor has been very flat. I remind myself how much she has been going through personally.

"I could never forget you," she says with a lightness in her voice that I have not heard in what seems like forever. I picture her lying in bed, a finger fiddling with her hair and the most beautiful smile on her face.

"Someone sounds like they are feeling better."

"I am actually, and I will tell you about my meeting with Eduardo but I want to go over work stuff first if that is alright."

"Of course, want me to go first?" I ask.

"Sure."

"Well, I finished the presentation. Unfortunately, the numbers are not any better than the others. Actually, the surge is happening slightly more rapidly but I account for that on the clinical side. Masks have not been mandated like other countries so the spread will just continue. It is like they are trying to get to herd immunity at the expense of lives." I pause as I hear a slight sigh on the other end.