Malik was loading more atomizers into the cooler when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. “Good morning, Mom.”
“Remind me again how this is legal? And why I shouldn’t worry about the FDA kicking down my door?” she asked.
“Because these are natural aerosols,” Malik said, choosing his words precisely. “These atomizers are made of natural organic aerosol materials pulled directly from trees, and they help boost the immune system. As long as these,” Malik held up an atomizer, “are not, and I quote, adulterated or misbranded, then the Food and Drug Administration doesn’t have any reason to worry about me.”
“Malik, you need to be careful. There are more and more people going missing, especially in the downtown area. I wish you wouldn’t go.”
“Mom, what other treatment do they have access to?” Malik asked.
“I know, I know,” his mom said with a heavy sigh. “All right, don’t be late for work,” she said as she walked back upstairs.
Malik set the cooler down by the front door as he went to grab his mask and keys. He noticed the stack of brochures still piling up and just shook his head.
“Hey,” his mom shouted to him, “hold up.” She came out of the kitchen and handed him a small box of disposable masks. “There were extra from the community meeting.”
“Thanks, Mom,” he said, while he picked up a brochure. There was a photo of two couples, both with white hair, laughing while drinking wine. “Are we serious about this?”
“Your father and I have talked a lot about it, and I think it’s time that we consider it. She hasn’t been responsive in a very long time. We need to make sure that she has the best care possible.”
“But,” Malik said.
“I know,” his mom cut him off. “I don’t want it any more than you do.”
She hugged him and pulled his head down to kiss him on the forehead. “Now go, boy, you better not be late.”
Malik was loading the cooler and box of gloves in the car when a voice came from behind.
“How many atomizers do you have?” Callie asked.
“A little over a hundred,” Malik said.
“That’s not bad,” she said.
“It’s not nearly enough,” Malik responded.
“Dude, you’re a one-man shop. What more can you expect?”
“Ah… I don’t want to talk about it today.”
“Fine,” she said. “Are you going with Ronnie?”
“Yes,” Malik said.
“Well, tell him I say hello,” Callie said.
“I think you should tell him yourself.”