Jake carefully put in the final drops of clear liquid on his glasses. He had been working on the formula for over two years now and had finally gotten it right.

With these glasses, he could clearly see who was contagious and who wasn’t. And then he could deal with the contagious ones. He started getting ready for the party. It would be the first testing ground for his new technology. He was super-excited.

Jake of course was mildly aware that there was some hypocrisy in his position, as he himself would go out to social events and activities. But he still wanted to see who was contagious there. And, as he diligently swabbed his nose, tears starting in his eyes, he always made sure he tested before. If those arrogant fools thought they were above testing, then ended up showing to be contagious, well, they deserved to be taken out. Honestly, he was doing a service to society.

After his mom died in the early days of the pandemic because of a careless caregiver, Jake had become obsessed with contagion and exacting retribution from those who went about carelessly passing on death and disease. He himself was one of those who remained symptom-free, no matter how exposed he was. Another sign that he was simply doing what needed to be done if he ever needed one.

And now, he knew beyond doubt that he could identify his targets accurately. He had made some unfortunate -errors- earlier on. But totally worth it for the greater good.

He was excited about the party. Lizzie was going to be there, it was his chance with her. Lizzie with her beautiful smile showing off her healthy teeth and gums, her bright eyes, and clear skin. He wondered whether she would ever be interested in wearing his glasses- if he could ever trust her that far. Surely she should be, how could such an obviously magnificently healthy creature as Lizzie not want to know about the contagion in other people?

***

He had to admit, he was enjoying the party, despite Lizzie being late. The glasses were working exactly as he had hoped. He put them on, – it took a little while, but he could perfectly see that noxious green fume hanging around contagious people’s noses and mouths, a faint dull green mist rising from their skin. He had almost barfed at first, but then the excitement took over. Ugh, look at that whore Sarah, with her over-exposure of bare skin, the green mist hung around her dank sweaty cleavage, and – she looked like the fucking Green Witch in the Silver Chair. And that asshole Michael, throwing his head back braying with laughter, the green fumes simply poured out of him. Jake carefully jotted their names.

Here she came, his darling beautiful Lizzie, all rosy skin and glowing smiles. He stepped forward to hug her- and froze.

Green fumes were pouring out of her.

Sadly, he jotted her name.