I looked up from my book to see a young gentleman take the seat across from me.

My insides began to churn as I was not expecting any company, especially one that was sitting so....close.

I glanced down at his blue and green polk-a-dot mask. I smiled underneath mine.

The mask didn’t suit him at all.

I continued to scrutinize him closely, making sure to look for the telling sign of the infection.

Ever since I’ve been able to physically see the infection on people, I’ve been extremely on edge.

I have managed to avoid eye contact with almost everyone, even the people closest to me.

“Sorry to impose” he finally spoke. His rough voice shook me out of my trance.

“I am waiting for my wife, and there were no other seats available” he continued.

“No worries” I said softly.

He didn’t have the virus. I relaxed in my seat.

A few minutes later the man arose and walked past me to a woman and child. His wife I assumed.

I turned my head to take a good look at them. I zoned in on the wife and child. They were facing my direction.

I zeroed in on their faces, hoping my 20/20 vision didn’t fail me. From what I could tell they didn’t have the virus either.

Good for them.

I couldn’t bring myself to look at anyone else in the cafe.

The virus was everywhere, but I really wanted a coffee and bagel.

I turned my attention back to my book.

I was getting to the part where Elizabeth was about to encounter Mr. Darcy, when a tan, well-manicured hand entered my line of vision. The hand placed my coffee on the table, along with my bagel.

“Here’s your order, babe” the waitress chimed. My eyes ran up her arm and landed on her name tag.

Madison.

“Thank y-“ I began to speak but my words died in my throat as my gaze landed on her face.

My face paled as I continued to stare at her.

The intensity of my gaze must have caused her discomfort because she began to shuffle her feet.

“Um, is—is there anything else I could get you?” her voice wavered.

I saw it.

The ring encircled her pupils emanating a faint crimson glow.

My throat went dry.

“Madison, I suggest you go to the doctor today” I whispered so only she could hear.

Her eyes widened in concern. Her black mask hid her facial expression very well, but I could tell that she was scared.

Before she could do or say anything else, I pulled a 20 dollar bill out of my clutch and set it on the table. “Keep the change” I told her.

I gave her a small genuine smile, grabbed my book, and stood up.

I walked away from the table, my coffee and bagel untouched.