The Flu Outbreak of 1963

We Got a Problem

Sam met up with her friends on the street.

"What are you guys doing in N.C?" she said.

"Meg's bosses gave orders that we should move Murray here so that the outbreak won't keep him from recovering" said Charles Wallace.

"Good thinking. How is he?" Sam said.

"He says his stomach really hurts and he really wants to apologize to you" said Meg.

"The flu in a time like this in no fun" said Charles Wallace.

"Tell me about it. I mean, I used to get stress colds" said Calvin.

"Hey, how was the dance?" said Charles Wallace.

"It was great. I went with the sheriff's son. He's a good boy" Sam said.

"Cool" said Calvin.

"I wish Murray could have gone though. He would have loved it" Sam said.

"I really think you oughtta see him, Sammy" Meg said.

Sam entered the place where the kids were staying and Murray was in his bed holding his tummy.

"Murray. It's me" Sam said.

"Sam? You look beautiful" said Murray.

"Other than the fact that I still have punch in my tights?" Sam said.

"Yeah" Murray giggled.

"How you feeling?" Sam said.

"Eh. How was the dance?" said Murray.

"It was lovely. The sheriff's son was a wonderful date. And then the deputy ruined it when he thought the punch on my dress was blood" Sam said.

"Oh..." was all Murray responded with.

"And Meg said you owe me an apology?" Sam said.

"I do. I'm so so so sorry for misunderstanding you. I honestly would have wanted to go to the dance with you. And I know you meant well" said Murray.

"It's okay" Sam assured him.

"I seriously hope Murray's flu ends well." said Calvin.

"Me too" said Charles Wallace.

Just then, Andy found the kids.

"You friends of Officer Pan's?" he said.

"Officer Pan? Is that how they refer to Sam around here?" said Charles Wallace.

"Yes. We are, sir. Are you the sheriff?" Meg said.

"I am. Is Sam here?" said Andy.

"She is. But she's kinda busy" said Calvin.

"My son told me. But she ain't supposed to leave her job early without checkin' with deputy Fife or myself" said Andy.

"We get it" said Meg.

"May I see her please?" said Andy.

"Should we?" said Charles Wallace.

"Do as the sheriff says" said Calvin.

"Yes, sir" Meg said to Andy.

"Sam? I gotta talk to ya. We got a problem" said Andy.

"We do?" Sam said.

"Murray. Would you excuse her for a minute?" said Andy.

"Y-yes. Of course" said Murray.

Andy took Sam to the side.

"Alright. What's up, Andy?" Sam said.

"Listen. Opie said you left the dance because Murray's gettin' worse" said Andy.

"Yeah"

"And that's fine. Like Gomer told y'all, we care about everyone you care about. But the problem is, me and Barney are supposed to go on a picnic with Thelma Lou and Helen tomorrow" said Andy.

"What's the problem with that?" Sam said.

"The problem is Barney's too embarrassed to even step out of the office. And I need your help" said Andy.

"Of course I can help" Sam said.

"Thanks, honey. See ya tomorrow" said Andy.

"Good night" Sam said.

At least Murray apologized to Sam.

But what about that problem with Barney?

Will Sam and Andy ever solve it?

Let's see!

Peace and love,

Sammy