Picture this—Phoenix, 2022

A little known author purchased a table at a popular convention to peddle her books. Fans oohed and aahed about one series that takes place after an influenza pandemic.

When was it written?

Ten years ago. Impressing most. And actually selling a few.

There were many characters all around—including Death. After all, if you were one of the horsemen and wanted to hang with the humans before their expiration date, why not go where you could be yourself and everyone would think you had a great cos-play outfit.

Death—came in many ages and genders. Sometimes he/she wore the traditional robe and carried a scythe. Other times, his/her wings were made of feathers or gauze.

We chatted a few times.

I had not expected his buddy Pestilence. He wore a middle aged human suit and stopped to joke about how we were at a COVID superspreader event and both of us would get it as we, and most everyone else, weren’t wearing a mask. With 2 hours, left in the con, I appreciated the dark sense of humor

And then Monday came, and I started to feel sick. Sure enough, a 15 minute home test confirmed COVID in 3 minutes (I’ve always been an overachiever).

A PCR test the next day confirmed it officially. In a nod to Pestilence, I passed it along to my family.

But, I’m better now, and they’re on the mend. And, yes, I would go again. It was fun.

So, don’t be like me. Stay healthy.