New Normal

Prologue:

It all started with rumors of a new flu that was spreading across the eastern hemisphere. No one was sure about what was going on. For a couple weeks, it seemed like just another meme, but it felt different. Reports started coming in about how this new virus was significantly more contagious than influenza. Then it exploded onto the world. Everything stopped. Governments ordered the lockdowns. Everyone was required to stay in their homes. Commerce came to a halt. Streets were deserted. Fear was rampant.

Day 1.

Covid is spreading like wildfire. None of the experts have a straight answer. They’re not even sure how it happened. We’ve been ordered by the government to stay in our homes. They say fifteen days to slow the spread. At least there were some indicators. Good thing I stocked up before they shut everything down. I have enough food, water and Jameson to get me through. I got a few cases of Corona as well. There’s rumor that it can prevent infection. Time to wait it out. There were reports of crazed humans obsessed with toilet paper. I’ve heard that they can be dangerous. I’ll have to put together some makeshift fortifications in case these toilet paper zombies show up. I’d better get to work.

Day 2.

Last night was rough. The toilet paper zombies attacked in force. I managed to fight them off... just barely. It took a quarter of my ammo and a third of my Jameson. That was a tough fight... I'm going to set some pit traps. I can spare some toilet paper to use as bait. Should help me conserve ammo. I'll reinforce my barricades today and, if time allows, cut a few more shooting slits. That will give me better fields of fire. I wish there was some news from the outside world. The internet exists in theory, but it’s useless, nothing but arguing and dumbass TicToc videos. TV isn’t any better. On to the work for today. No matter what, I have to hold out. Someone needs to survive, rebuild, for humanity's sake.

Day 3.

The ferret just came back from patrol. Nothing to report. It's been quiet... maybe too quiet. Today has been productive. I increased my water purification capacity by about 50%. That should help. I managed to cobble together a short wave radio receiver. Now I can get some actual news from the outside world. It’s rumored that Mexico may be closing its borders. That could be bad... not for me. I have enough Corona... running low on lime, though. Not sure how effective it will be at stopping the virus without lime. I guess I'll find out soon enough. No matter. The real concern is the toilet paper zombies. I wish I knew what they were up to. I beat them pretty hard. Maybe they've moved on. Maybe they're just regrouping. I suppose I'll find that out, too. Still a lot of work to do today. Just have to hold on and hope that things will get better.

Day 5.

No time to write yesterday. There was way too much to get done. The pit trap worked. I caught a toilet paper zombie. I spent yesterday building a holding cell and a makeshift lab. I need to find their weakness... there has to be one. That's the good news. The bad news is that they're still around. I doubt this one was a straggler. I was able to set more perimeter alarms. At least they won't sneak up on me. The radio is still working. I rigged up a ferret wheel to power it. News from the outside world is bad. Stupidity seems more infectious than the virus. So much to do but so little time. It's ok, though keeping busy keeps hope up.

Day 6.

I spent the better part of yesterday studying the zombie. They’re really stupid. Ignorance can really do a number on people, it seems. They’ve become mindless slaves to fear. They can’t even function outside the mob. Still no good answers about anything. They can’t even tell us how dangerous Covid-19 really is. They say they’re going to get started on a vaccine. Maybe then things can go back to how they were. In the meantime, there is always something to get done around here.

Day 7.

One week into the lockdown. The greatest enemy isn’t the zombies, or even the virus. It’s boredom. Isolation really starts wearing on you. You just want to do something from your old life. Even something as simple as going to the store or getting a cup of coffee at your favorite cafe. The toilet paper zombies has diminished somewhat. I guess that there’s nothing to keep them going now that the stores are closed and people are barricaded in. The ferret came back from patrol today with a locket. It was small, two inches across. It had a note from my neighbor, Jim, inside. It said “Hope you’re doing well. See you when this is all over.” It doesn’t seem like much, but that little note really made my day. It reminded me that I’m not alone.

Day 8.

Over half way through the lockdown. I sent the ferret back to Jim with a note in the locket. Nothing much, just wishing him the best. Not much else to write about today. Just hanging on.

Day 11.

Jim and I have been communicating regularly. We exchange messages each day when I send the ferret out. It helps to have that connection. Nothing to report about the outside world. Everything is at a standstill. No cars, no people. Just nothing.

Day 14.

Tomorrow is the last day of lockdown. I can’t wait for it to be over. Supplies are running dangerously low. I need to restock soon. There’s enough to last another day, though. I need to do an inventory, see what I need. I suspect the zombies will be at it again soon enough. I’ll need to get started early.

Day 15.

We all thought that lockdown would be over. I suppose it is, in theory. But so many restrictions are in place. Most stores are still closed. Everyone is fearful of everyone. I thought there would be a resurgence of the toilet paper zombies, but I was wrong. A new threat has emerged: The Karen cult. It’s far too early to know much about them, but they appear wherever any people have congregated. They’re aggressive and often violent. They seem to be devoid of reason or empathy and are completely bent on imposing their will on others. They’re everywhere.

Day 17

I went to the store today. Things are so different. The whole world is trapped in this surreal nightmare. It’s like something Dali would have painted during a depressive episode. I was able to find out a little more about the Karen Cult. They aren’t an entirely new phenomenon. They existed before Covid. They were loosely organized around little league soccer games. All the new restrictions have just given them a much better excuse to impose their will on others and they’re running with it. It’s rumored that they worship a manager god. They’re always asking to see him. Some say that they sacrifice their victims to him. This cult has become the dominant force in the world.

Day 20.

So this is the state of the world. People only dare to leave their homes when they absolutely have to. We’re still isolated. I miss seeing people smile. Everyone is in perpetual fear of both the virus and the Karens. We can’t do most of the things we once loved. Our connections to each other are eroded more and more each day. Fifteen days and things will go back to normal? Maybe they have. This is the new normal.