I decided to challenge myself to write a short story each day for a week on the theme of infection. Each story is no longer than 500 words and 4 minutes in length. Some are serious others less so. Find the text of the second story below but you can also listen on my podcast. Enjoy and let me know what you think. Hopefully I will see you tomorrow for story 3.

7 Fevers

Story 2 – Tuesday’s Sermon

On the day the virus had begun to spread David rose early. There were over 100 new cases of infection in the city but he felt fit and healthy. 

He had his bible and box to stand on. His Uncle told him that was all he needed. Getting into position before 9am was also important. He could claim a prime spot on Buchanan Street.

David enjoyed preaching. Even though most shoppers ignored him he still felt part of something. One or two people would come up to him after the sermon. Often they argued but then put some money in his hand. He had grown a goatee and left his hair uncut. It made him feel he had an identity.   

It was better than being stuck in an office.

People seemed to be moving quicker this morning. He opened his bible at a random page and began.

‘For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.’

As he continued his sermon he noticed that unlike other days, many shoppers had stopped and were listening.

‘Behold the pale horse and his name that sat upon him was Death…’

David sensed crowds forming on the Concert hall steps and he saw numbers deepen along shop fronts. There was no sound except the sound of his reedy voice. 

‘…and Hell followed him and power was given unto them over the fourth part of the world to kill with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the Earth.’

He didn’t have more to sermonise about and his favourite quotes were used up. The mass of shoppers stared at him. Some were crying.

‘Amen.’ He said.

‘Amen.’ The crowd responded.

David felt his knees trembling. He got down off his box. Beads of cold sweat ran from his forehead. He started to push through the silent throng saying ‘excuse me excuse me thank you…’

‘What should we do?’ Someone asked. 

Others heard and repeated ‘What should we do? What should we do?’

Two cars had blocked an alleyway. David dropped his box and leapt over the bonnets. He ran down the alleyway and threw his bible in a wheelie bin. The crowds were calling but he kept running till he found quieter streets and a bus which took him out of the city.