The Iris Epidemic

The First Chaos

The First Chaos

All i remember from that second on is this old wooden chair, suddenly giving way and feeling myself hit the ground. The damn chair decided to wait for its time to chime in, and that time was apparently a good time to do it then. It was a shriek that started the commotion when the chair decided it didn't want to hold my weight for much longer. I thought for a moment it was a woman just being surprised on how good her husband looked. And I know, seems to be quite the opposite for other situations people go through. you think worst case scenario then it actually is just nothing alarming. But it was the other way around.... The shriek turned into frantic wailing and concern and that's when i found myself immediately getting up a moment later after hearing more people sounding distraught.

After going through the curtain and up to the front trying to get by people, i lifted up my cloak a little and slid by. The commotion got more clearer for me to listen to. And i heard Dave trying to reassured the lady to calm down a little and take a breather as help will be on the way soon enough.

" But a man is dying my good tailor! He is suffering in the middle of the streets!" the woman said exasperated, wiping her tears.

"It's a horrible sight!... what has happened to our lovely peaceful town." she continued until i managed to get up to them.

"Where is this man you speak of miss?"

I spoke in a quick but calm tone of voice.

"He collapsed in the middle of the path. He's yelling out in pure agony" The woman turned to look at me and pleaded.

"Many of us do not know what to do...."

I looked back and nodded.

"I'll be right there miss. Just go out there and wave me down when you see me come out. I have to get a couple of things." I said while starting to make my way back to the back room again.

"Wait! Wait up! Dr. Iris!" Dave was yelling back while trying to catch up with me.

"You can't just reveal yourself as a plague doctor like that."

I turned around sharply and glared at him.

"Is that really what you are mostly concerned about??" i said shortly.

"I dont hide in a half mask to to cover my identity. i keep it on to keep myself healthy and to help others..." I turned back around to walk in the back room.

"But your off duty for right now."

"If it was so bad to reveal myself, good job you for revealing me. " i said in a annoyed and panicked tone through the back curtains.

"Everyone can hear you Dave. " i say as i grabbed what little stuff i had to help and grabbed my hat and gloves, forgetting purposely to not pick up the half mask i was given . I peeked out of the curtains to see everyone staring at Dave awkwardly quiet, then to me when i walked out. Many didnt know us doctors by our faces, our uniforms and masks made up the look like we would hide from anyone who wanted to know our identities. It was more of making sure we weren't gonna get sick or individually accused for killing a victim on purpose. Cause people were like that... but honestly i didn't give shit at that moment when i was grabbing my stuff. Someone was in trouble and i needed to be there. Now.

Scrambling up to the doors and outside i looked around through the crowd of people that was on the road and spotted the woman again waving me down. Many stood and stared at me while i walked over. Some with pleading in their eyes, and others with curiosity yet fright. I tried to keep my head down because i was nervous and frightened as well... i didn't know if i was even going to save this man.