Having the Virus

Cannot smell. Check. Cannot taste. Check. Feeling like a Mac Truck ran over me. Retracing my steps. Where did I go? Who did I see? Who to blame? I confide in a friend. She had it too. She encourages me to take it easy. To slow down, to rest and drink lots of hot liquids. Telling her was a comfort. Not sure why I thought it was a secret. I call another friend, I trust. Let her know the news. She is not well, her son tells me. Give her a week or so. I figure she may have it too. I am not alone. This comforts me. Dare I call a third friend? How will I feel if she does not have it? Will I be jealous? I have no idea, so I call. There is no answer. Another friend calls me; one friend had violated my trust. I had it, and so did Maridee, she tells me. Drink hot liquids. Rest. Take it easy. You can get through this; you are young. Do not let fear take over. I am strangely comforted.