It was a chilly and dark night. Somewhere far away, dogs howled. A gentle breeze blew, and autumn leaves fluttered around. The empty streets were eerily quiet.
Earlier that day, the streets had been lively with people as usual. Children playing around, vendors trying to sell their goods, parents running after their kids, people rushing to work, and dogs scavenging for leftovers — just another day.
Until there had been a blaring siren followed by a loud announcement, “Attention, citizens. This is to inform the public that the city will be under lockdown with immediate effect. A rampant virus that takes less than a minute to spread when in contact has been detected. People of the 15–30 age bracket are presumed to succumb more easily to this virus. We urge everyone to return home immediately or take shelter nearby to prevent exposure. According to the default lockdown protocols, the local government officials will be issuing a movement pass the size of a postcard in a few days. A number will be assigned to each pass to signify which zone you will be allowed to move in. More updates and details will follow later, so please check the news frequently. Until then, stay home and stay vigilant.”
For a few seconds, there was pin-drop silence as everyone stood in disbelief. Then chaos ensued. There were screams and blaring horns as people rushed to get to safety; as if there was one. A quiet fear had taken over everyone, and the streets had become more and more empty as the hours passed by until there was no one.
Now, the city stood still, as if aware of the approaching danger. No one, it seemed, was safe.
December 2020
