Outbreak
I wake up in a daze as the alarm-radio sounds.
"There has been reports of the strange outbreak all over New York and half of Philadelphia. The FBI and CIA claims that they do not know, nor were they involved in the incident. But they did say that they are trying to contain the threats as best as they can..."
I sit up as I hear the news. I currently live in Texas, but who knows how long it will take before it reaches me? I clear my head as I listen more closely.
"...But it seems the outbreak is growing faster than they could control. And the police advise everybody to stay indoors to avoid contamination..."
Contamination? What is going on up there? I quickly got dressed and turn up the volume of the radio.
"...The outbreak seems to change the humans into an anthropomorphic creature. Our geneticists says that there must be a type of virus that attacks and distorts the human gene into one that is both animal and human. They are calling the virus the A128-G56 Virus, or the Anima Virus. The observation of some of the transformations are described to be painful for the person, instant growing of fur, complete bone structure rearrangement, and tail growth. They are unsure of whether or not..."
I quickly shut off the radio. I've heard enough. Can this be true? I think to myself. I always dreamt that I could be something of the sort, since I am a full fledge furry after all... But with it being real is just...I don't know. I am scared, yet fascinated. How I wish to be a fox! I quietly chuckle over that idea.
A long sigh flows from my mouth as I prepare to take a shower. The water is warm and inviting. Thoughts travel through my groggy brain and I begin to ponder over what I just heard over the radio. What exactly is the virus? I am only half sure that it is the government's fault. Were they trying to create a supersoldier? By combining human and animal genes? I'm not sure. But as much as I wish to become an animal, I know the government will try to "eliminate" the diseased once they manage to contain the virus outbreak. The thought bothers me even as I get dressed.
The alarm clock reads 9:40 and I hastily stumble downstairs. Lola is coming to pick me up for breakfast today. But I'm unsure how that will turn out considering everywhere will be closed due to the outbreak. Lola is also a furry like me. Except her fursona is a cat and mine's a fox. I would say that Lola is just a friend...But sometimes she gives me a look that makes me feel like I'm a mouse and she's the cat playing with her food. I have been with her ever since high school, so I know her well enough to know that she has been acting a little differently around me recently.
My heart light up once I hear the chime of the doorbell, and I unbolt the door to see Lola standing in front of my doorway in a bright yellow blouse and a pair of jeans. She has long brown hair that reaches just below her shoulders and deep, brown, playful eyes.
"Ready to go?" Lola beams. She sounds as if she has not yet heard the news.
"Uh...W-wait, haven't you heard the news? About the outbreak in New York I mean. Wouldn't all the restaurants be closed or something?" I manage to bleat out a stutter.
She gives me that look again. "No. Not really. I don't think the outbreak will reach us that fast. Sure people are worried, but they need to make money still. Even if everything were to close, Derek's restaurant will still be open. He is a furry after all. You, mister, need to stop overreacting like you always do." I give out a relieved laugh.
Soon we make our way to the car and I lock the door behind me. Lola hops into the driver's seat while I yell "Shotgun!" and dive into the passenger seat even though I am the only passenger. Lola laughs at my childishness and asks, "So, where shall we go eat in this fine morning?"
I mulled it over for a second and reply, "Let's go talk to Derek. I think it would be nice to have a conversation about the entire outbreak situation together. As furries!" She snort and mimics what I said. "As furries!"
After driving for five minutes in silence, I blurt out, "So what are your thoughts on this whole outbreak thing? Does it worry you?"
"Well," Lola starts, "It seems like a cool concept...But I'm not sure. It's one of those things where you think you are ready for it no matter what, and once it happens it just stuns you I guess." She pauses for a moment. "Hey, let's save this conversation until we see Derek. I've been wanting to talk to you about it too."
Somehow, I manage to fall asleep on the fifteen minutes that took to get here. Derek isn't very tall, probably only a few inches shorter than me, but he definitely look more buff than I am. He has smooth jet black hair while I have a more spiky dark brown hair. He owns a restaurant called Wolf's Grill and Bar. Me and Lola stand inside the restaurant and we are immediately greeted by Derek. He takes us to a booth near the back of the restaurant.
As if in a rush, Derek moves next to me in the seat and blurts out, "Oh thank goodness you guys are here! I had to work so I couldn't contact any of you. So have you heard the news!? Wait, no. Of course you have! Or else you wouldn't be here!"
Lola and I exchange glances. Derek matches his fursona perfectly. A wolf pup. He has to be one of the most hyperactive people I know, and his profession fits him too. Derek can probably eat a horse, literally, if he had to. And it uses up his energy fairly effectively too.
Lola responds first, "We are here because, just like you guessed, to talk about what happened in New York."