Chapter 1: Introduction
Quarantine
My long, wavy locks intertwined on the couch, snagging the fabric and clinging like waves crashing onto a jagged shore. A deep sigh bubbled up from my chest, as unkempt as the blonde mess on my shoulders. A strong, jovial hand interlaced with mine as Harry sank onto the cushion beside me. His warm brown eyes caressed mine, adorned with the wrinkles etched by a lifetime of unconditional love.
A tender smile emerged on his lips, like the sun peeking over the horizon. “Nichola, my love,” he whispered, as if I was the only woman left in the world. My heart swelled, the chaos of our predicament dissolving into insignificance, and I leaned into his embrace.
“Mom! Dad!” Our children, Max and Lily, burst through the door, their youthful vitality painting a stark contrast to the sterile, impersonal atmosphere.
Max, with his lean frame and darkly tussled hair, had the jawline of a Greek God, while Lily’s long, chestnut hair cascaded around her, setting her smooth moonlit skin aglow. “What’s going on?” Max demanded, his brows furrowing in concern.
“I’m afraid there has been a outbreak ,” Dr. Patel replied, her stern gaze holding our undivided attention. She stood tall and poised, resembling a queen in her lab coat, her six nurses flanking her like loyal subjects, their sterile uniforms gleaming in the stark fluorescent light.
“We need to test everyone here for their ability to orgasm,” Dr. Patel continued, a hint of cold authoritarianism in her voice. It was a declaration that sent a ripple of shock through our family, but she offered no facade of apology or remorse.