It was a Friday morning in Ningenkai. Keiko was preparing breakfast for her son Brian while watching the news.
"In other news, there has been an increase this month of patients going to the hospital who have contracted an unknown disease that turns the skin a sickly green and brings extreme lethargy and coughing up blood. There seems to be an epidemic in the city of Tokyo and everyone is advised to stay home if feeling the slightest bit ill and to constantly wash hands & shower regularly. Many are also going out with masks covering their nose and mouth to avoid contraction."
Tokyo's not to far from here. This worries me. Especially the fact that Yukina left to see Genkai who lives on the outskirts of Tokyo," Keiko thought to herself.
"Morning mom," said Brian coming into the kitchen dressed for school in dark blue jeans and a white shirt.
"Good morning Brian. Have you heard about this sickness going around," she said as she put his breakfast in front of him.
"That's cities away, mom. I promise you I'm okay."
"I know, but it's been spreading quickly within the past month. I just want you to be careful."
"Okay okay mom. I'll wash my hands 10 times a day if that makes you feel better," he said as he finished eating.
"Just be ware of your surroundings. If you see someone coughing or sneezing, I want you to keep your distance."
"Yes ma'am. I'm going to school now," as he stood up.
"Ok have a good day sweetie," she said giving him a kiss on the head.
"Bye mom," and he went out the door.
Brian went out to the bus stop and waited for the bus. Whenever he gets on, his best friend, Marquesa Minamino was already on it, being picked up at an earlier stop.
He got on the bus and saw her sitting at the back. He went to sit with her.
"Hey. So my mom's been freaking out on me about this sickness thing that's going around," he told her.
"Well it's pretty serious. I've hardly gotten to see my dad within the past weeks. He leaves for work at the hospital after I leave for school but he comes home after I'm asleep," she complained.
"Well I think it's great that he takes his work seriously."
"Yeah. I know. He's a great man. He always wants to help everyone before himself."
Brian smiled in agreement. "So are you nervous for the final football game of the season? Your last cheerleading performance."
"Heh. Actually I'm pretty ready for it to end. Between cheerleading and dance class, I'm exhausted. I'm so glad it's the last day of school." She had been dressed in her cheerleading outfit. It's a privilege to wear the outfit to school on the day of a game.
"Yup! Then it's spring break for 3 weeks."
The bus had stopped again. This time, at the street where Ray and Amanda Kuwabara get on, their other friends. They were twins.
"Good morning guys," Amanda said.
"Sup," replied Marquesa. "Ready for the end of cheerleading for the year?" Amanda was also on the cheer team. Ray was on the football team and was wearing his football jersey to school. He was number 7.
"Yes. I'm done flying through the air," Amanda said.
"Well, it's cuz' you're so skinny. You, Marquesa and that Mariah girl," Ray cut in.
"I'm not as skinny as them, but I'm best at doing moves in the air," Marquesa stated.
"And that's why you're captain and not Mariah. You've got a better attitude and leadership skills. There's something I'm happy about; not having to work with her anymore," Amanda said.
"Haha. She tries real hard though," said Marquesa. "But taunting her is fun."
"You'll always be one step ahead of her. I remember in 6th grade you made Class President and she was Vice. And in middle school, she finished the cross country race 2nd to you. And you always do, like, 2% better on a test than her and it drives her crazy," explain Brian.
"And she loves to call me a spoiled rich girl. I wish she'd realize that has nothing to do with my academic performance." Marquesa smiled and looked out the window in humble pride. Mariah Kaito always wanted to be the best at everything, but Marquesa always easily beat her out. Not wanting to gloat about it, she changed the subject.
"So Ray, your mom is coming back today right?" she asked.
"Yeah. I know she likes visiting Genkai, but I can't wait for her to come back."
Yukina left to visit with Genkai for the past 3 weeks. She was to be back this afternoon.
The bus pulled up to the stop across the street from the school. They all got off the bus and headed toward the campus.