She twisted open the deadbolt and pulled the door back to reveal man that neither of them recognized.
“Oh no...” Kara frowned. “He did change...”
The man raised an eyebrow.
“Uh, can we help you?” Julia said, realizing that it wasn’t Henry.
“I just wanted to see if you knew what was going on.” He explained. “I live two doors down in apartment 23. My neighbors just packed their bags and took off a few days ago. Usually they ask me to watch their cats, but I think they took them when they left. I didn’t think much of it until I saw another group packing yesterday. And today it looks like the folks in apartment 18 are heading out. I know it’s none of my business, but are you planning on leaving too? Is there some reason so many people are taking off?”
“No, we aren’t leaving. “Kara said.
“Have you seen the news?” Julia asked. “There’s some kind of pandemic spreading through the region and nobody knows what’s causing it.”
“I don’t have a TV in my apartment... I... I didn’t know... A lot of my co-workers have been out sick, so I’ve been pulling a lot of overtime.” He said, slowly realizing why so many people were missing. “Oh god... I hope they’re alright.”
“Don’t worry.” Julia assured him. “Whatever is spreading isn’t exactly an illness, at least not something that’s hurting anyone.”
“What do you mean?” He asked.
“People are actually getting better.” She continued. “Like... Serious conditions are being cured; but some people are experiencing other changes... Like waking up with extra...”
“Extra fingers... Or uh ... a tail or something...” Kara interrupted.
“Huh...” The man said, not quite believing her. “I’m uh... Gonna head back home then.”
“I’m glad to see you’re both alright.”
He turned away and started back towards his apartment...