An older man was waiting behind the counter, seemingly busy with paperwork. He looked normal, if not a little stressed.
“Oh, hi there...” He started. “Are you Kara?”
“How’d you know?” Kara asked.
“Lucky guess.” He added. “Actually... It’s been a slow day and you’re only the fifth to place an order.”
“I imagine a lot of folks aren’t willing to leave their houses right now...” Kara considered.
“Why's that?” The man asked as he pulled her order from a heater.
“Have you seen the news?” She asked.
“Nope... Don’t watch that crap.” The guy replied. “Bunch of politics and commercials anymore...”
“I’m with you there.” Kara grinned. “But you might make an exception when you get home today... There’s been some kind of outbreak. Most stations have been reporting on it all day. Lot’s of people are staying indoors to avoid being infected.”
“What... Like zombies or something?” He asked, taking her payment.
“Not exactly...” Kara replied. “Almost the opposite. Lots of people are getting healthy, but some are changing in other ways...”
“Maybe my son is infected...” He shrugged, glancing towards the kitchen. “CAUSE HE SHOULD BE MANNING THE REGISTER!”
“That dumb-ass has been in the bathroom for the last hour.”
Kara signed her receipt and thanked him before carrying the pizza and soda towards the entrance. The man came out from behind the counter to hold the door.
“Oh... Thanks again.” Kara offered. “Um... I know it’s none of my business, but does your son usually hide in the bathroom?”
“He likes to hang out in the back, but it’s not usually in the bathroom...” The man considered.
“You might want to check on him... And... Uh... Keep an open mind.”
He gave a confused look, but nodded all the same. Kara left the shop, barely managing to open her car door without letting the soda bottles roll off of the boxes. She was soon on her way back home with the smell of pizza taunting her from the passenger seat...