Toxic

Its just the beginning

The news tells of anarchy across countries and other continents.
"And in other news doctors have found a small minor disease that has spread in poorer countries and they said to keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn't get out of hand." Said the newscaster.
"Thats what they said about every other disease in the world and we've found a cure for all of them." Dad says as he sprawls out on the couch
"But doctors issued a warning so it must be something serious." Mom softly spoke
"Well I'm not worried about a damn thing its all just publicity bullshit." He took another drink of his beer and mom rolls her eyes at him
I got up and walked to the kitchen, looked in the cupboard for something to snack on. Nothing. I took out my phone and saw a text from my old friend Clara.
"Hmm..."
I opened it
"Hey I know its been awhile but I need to talk to you soon. Keep your phone by you ok?"
"I haven't heard from her in years...why does she need to suddenly talk to me?" I thought aloud
"What'd you say honey?" Mom shouts from the other room
"Nothing I was just mumbling to myself."
"Ok!" She shouted again

"Im about to head out guys I need to head back to my apartment. I'll visit again soon."
"Dont you dare leave without giving hugs!" Mom said with a smile
I smiled and gave mom a hug.
"Do you have my cornbread recipe for this upcoming thanksgiving cause I'll be looking for them."
"Yes mom." I smiled at her and gave a kiss on her cheek
"Dont forget about your old man." Dad said as he stood and sat down his beer.
I gave him a hard hug.
I walked through the front door and closed it behind me.
And now back to real life.
The day was cold and slight patterns of rain hit then let up and then hit again. The sounds of traffic filled my ears again as I walked down to the local bakery.
"Gegg's town bread." I thought aloud.
"Elijah if you say that one more time I'll send you some battered cupcakes." Gregg looked and smiles
"Gregg what are you doing out in the rain?" I asked
"What? Just because I'm old means I gotta stay inside?" He patted me on my shoulder and grinned.
"No my lead delivery man quit me and I'm stuck out here stacking baked goods, when I should be in the back baking." He grunted as he put another box in the truck.
"Do you have any other people you know to come and work?"
"Not at the moment but the position will be filled soon dont you worry." Gregg sat down on the nearest stoop
"So what are you up to Elijah? You have anymore plans for your day?" He said with slow deep breaths
"Not really, mom gave me her cornbread recipe for thanksgiving this year and expects me to have it at the next family get together."
"Seems like a challenge for champions. Can I see the recipe?"
"I dont know if I can trust a cook to see a new recipe." I gave him a devilish grin
"Well in that case I'll bring my own recipe for cornbread and we'll see who likes what!" He gave a look of determination.
I laughed.
"Ill give you the address to the party as soon as I can."
"I await your cornbread I wanna see if you got what it takes to be a good baker!" He patted my shoulder and used me to get back on his feet
"Well I gotta get back to stacking. Get your bread and scram kid."
I smiled and entered the store.

Meanwhile....

The phones were ringing everywhere and small cubical tables littered with paperwork and coffee stains galore.
A woman bursts through the doors and sternly walks to the main office room. She batters on the door awaiting the door to be opened.
The door opens and then she lets the man have it.
"Why did you only say a minor disease was slowly showing signs of being dangerous when this "minor disease" has already started becoming lethal?!?" She shouts
"Well..." the man calmly starts
"This is how news works you can't let it get too out of hand too fast. A frantic worry will go out among the people and we dont need that sorta thing right now."
"But we need the people to be aware and..."
"I did my job!"the man interrupts
"I rose awareness to the people and those who will listen, will hear the warning and besides it is still only minor from what you've told us."
"You'll soon realize your mistake and I'll be there to watch you fail." The woman angrily pointed
"Clara...please, I did what was promised and now you need to fulfil your part of the bargain." The man sighed
"I have a few candidates for the expeditions I just need to get them all together and have a meeting."
"You do realize if the virus is as lethal as you say you may lose some of your team to it. Are you and your team willing to handle those risks?"
"...Yes." Clara said hesitantly
"If you have any important findings I'll fly you a news crew for the finding to be televised. You have five days to assemble your team and be on the next plane to South America." He spoke in dismissal
"Thanks." Clara spoke softly