Prologue.

"Greetings Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Paloma Hoff and this is The Verusian Chronicle...". The familiar voice of the news anchor went on. And there, behind the television sat Valerie Simmons, with a bag of snacks in her hand. Her light-coloured orbs followed whatever was shown on the screen in front of her.

A riot that had occurred in Agut's capital was shown on the news. The reason was low income. And then the agriculture and how the change in the climate was affecting the growth of crops in Verusau. 

The camera was panned to an older-looking farmer. "I don't remember the last time my crops failed in the Summertime, but this year they have. The drought was too much for the seedlings to grow.". With that, the man continued, speaking a bit more about his farm before the scene was changed from the farmlands to the Verusian House. 

There, a meeting was held with the prime ministers and the presidency of the country of Verusau. "Rain is not our commodity during the Summer months, but that's why when Autumn comes around, we can't get rid of it. We all saw last year with the floods that struck the Southern part of our country. We will have to think of more innovative ways to overcome such struggles and work alongside Mother Nature and not against her.".

Not long passed before the King himself had a few things to say. "Droughts and wetness take over the South of our Kingdom, all the while the freezing cold and snow take over the North. Year by year, the instability of our weather patterns leaves major impacts all throughout our economy. The weather is slowly but surely becoming more and more unpredictable.".

And with that, the news anchor came back on the screen. "The HOV, Health Organisation of Verusau, had issued a minor warning of a newly found disease spreading throughout the kingdom. Symptoms are usually those of a Seasonal Cold, however, in rare cases, the illness could evoke more Flu-like symptoms. More study is to be put into the disease, as epidemiologists say. Precautions should be taken, however, it had been announced that there's to be no need for panic.". With Paloma clearing her throat, she continued. "And now, onto the weather with Gerry Heathe.".

"New disease... Huh?" Valerie sneered at the announcement before changing the channel.

"What's happening?" Nelly, Valerie's roommate, came out of the kitchen. "I heard something about a new illness?".

"Something like a cold is going around. Nothing to be worried about.".

"But... they said it's a new disease, no?" Nelly inquired next.

"Yeah," Valerie began. "But Honestly Nelly, I wouldn't be all too worried about it. It's probably going to be a seasonal thing, just like the Flu...".

"But... how can you be so sure?.".

"Nelly? How many times have you contracted the Flu?".

"I... I don't think I ever have," Nelly responded.

"Exactly! So you shouldn't worry... all too much," Valerie replied.

"I suppose...".

However, with the passing of days and weeks, with the news of the new disease being 3rd to be announced, it slowly made its way to being the first thing that was said. 

"Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. My name is Paloma Hoff and we begin this evening's Verusian Chronicle with the PET virus. The newly found disease had received its name. Pallidus Expuli Tussim, otherwise known as the PET Virus got its name from the pale colour the infected would get, along with a severe, chesty cough. Thus far, studies have shown that the virus tends to work more proficiently in those who don't have as strong of an immune system. More research on the illness has shown that the virus can stay dormant in its host, which means that the virus can survive within a body without doing any harm. This incubation period is estimated to be anywhere from weeks to months to maybe even years. Individuals are advised to stay cautious, and diligent and to test themselves for the disease whenever possible, as symptoms usually take a few days to show up. We have epidemiologist, Tommy Deeley, with more information on the virus.".

"Pallidus Expuli Tussim, or PET, is unlike what we've seen before. Within such a short time, what we thought was a small illness began to grow on us. It took me by surprise too, if I'm being honest. And as I am speaking right now, the virus is further mutating and evolving more ways in which it can be more infective. And for that, exact reason, we have to be a step ahead of it. We must test ourselves whenever possible, we have to maintain distance from each other and we must be diligent. Because this too shall pass and humanity shall prevail," Tommy announced.

"Why?..." Valerie muttered under her breath.

"What do you mean 'why'?" Nelly asked.

"For me, it would make more sense for those who want to be out and about to be out and about.".

"But what if they get infected?".

"They get sick, they fight the disease and they get natural immunity," Valerie responded. "I am not saying that people should run around like headless turkeys and get infected, there should be a bit of decency, respecting people's personal space. But at the same time, the world can't stop and fall to its knees for one, fucking virus.".

To her words, Nelly bit her lip. "I get you, Val. I really get you, but I feel like this... this is going to be some fucked up shit. Even Deeley himself sounded stressed about it.".

"He is getting older, only makes sense for him to be more worried about it all... On top of that, he is the epidemiologist. He must sound stressed when warning us of such illnesses.".

With that, the two women looked back at the television.

"Mr Deeley, can you tell us where the virus came from?" a reporter asked from behind the camera.

Tommy Deeley let out a mere chuckle of pure nervousness. "The origins of the virus are still unknown... We do have a few theories, however, theories aren't enough. We need to find concrete evidence and we're still working on that.".

Then, another voice sounded. "Sorry, Tommy Deeley? You told us about symptoms and how we should get tested before the symptoms come about. However, we weren't told much about symptoms aside from the fact that they are similar to those of the Common Cold and the Flu. And even you said that the virus is mutating as we speak, are there any more symptoms we should keep an eye out for?".

"That's a good question. Yes. There are, there are several new symptoms we should look out for. A high temperature, stomach aching and having a watery stool are some of the new symptoms we've uncovered. Along with vomiting. In rare situations, the illness can cause anaemia.".

"Anaemia?..." Nelly spat out, looking at Valerie.

"He said in rare cases, Nel.". However, seeing the look on her friend's face persist, Valerie added, "We'll be okay, Nelly. Don't you worry about it.".

"I'll try not to..." Nelly added, trying to force a smile onto my lips. "I better get back into the kitchen, I think the wedges are ready.".

"I'll cook us something tomorrow then, yeah?" Valerie asked.

"Tomorrow, I am going out with James. He said there's some new restaurant nearby that he wanted to show me. He offered you a place too, if you want to join us?" Nelly offered.

"No, no. I'd only be in the way. Either way, I am unsure when I'll be back home tomorrow. I'm working late," Valerie responded. "But thank you very much for the invitation. Both you and James.".

"Don't be ridiculous, Val. He knows how close you and I are. We have known each other since... what? Secondary school? And we made it through College and now we are roommates. What else could best friends ask for?".

"You're like a sister to me, Nelly," Valerie replied, before standing up and making her way into the kitchen. "I wouldn't trade you even for the world.".

Nelly smiled at her words. But then her smile receded. "While on sisters... how's Clara doing?... I hope she's recovering well after the car crash.".

"She's well..." Valerie began. "Or at least that's what my mother said. And she tends to sugarcoat things... until shit gets serious. So, so far, I think she's okay. They still didn't give her back her phone, I don't think, since she didn't reply to my messages.".

A sheepish smile grew on Nelly's lips. "I'm sure she's okay.".

"Yeah, either way, Nick is there with her.".

"Your brother Nick?".

Valerie nodded her head. "The one and only.".

"And how is he?" Nelly asked.

"He is well, busy being an officer. Quite similar to me actually," Valerie responded.

"I'm glad to hear it," Nelly replied as she tended to the food.

And with that, Valerie looked out the kitchen window, she looked up at the sky and watched as the rain slowly began falling from the dark clouds. "Shit... I'll take care of the laundry...".

And with that, she was off.