DEATH STALKS A CONTINENT

 

Directions: Read the following paragraphs. Then, write a story from the perspective of the narrator explaining what happens to her one year later. Each story should include at least three paragraphs! Include factual information, such as statistics, in your essay.

All essays should be written in ink, on one-side of the page only!! Turn all essays in your Current Events Folder. Others will not be accepted. NO EXCEPTIONS!!!

 

This morning was a typical day in my life. I woke up this morning and ate breakfast with my kids. I cherish these moments because I know my time with them is precious. I have just learned that at least one of my children is doomed---doomed to die an early death. I can’t bear to think of losing one of my babies, but they would probably be better off! Food is scarce and disease is everywhere.

 

My husband couldn’t find work in town, so he had to take work 200 miles away. He is only able to come home twice a week. The money is not that good, but, I guess, it is better than nothing.  The kids look forward to him coming home, but I dread it! I know he has other girlfriends.

 

A few days ago,  I heard shouting from my neighbor’s home. They just lost a son a few weeks ago, so I did not want to pry.  Later when I was talking to my sister, she told me that my neighbor’s husband called her a “whore” because she asked him if he would use protection. Then, he beat her and threw her out on the streets to fend for herself! I would have taken her into my own home, but, if what they said was true, that she was infected with the black plague...well, there is no way that I could accept her into my home! 

 

Every day, on my way to work, I see a beggar. He is desperately sick and doesn’t have access to a doctor, a clinic, medicine, food, or blankets. I know I should acknowledge him when he begs me for money, but what do I have?  I may have a roof over my head, but beyond that, it’s not much else!

 

At work, my colleagues and I whisper about all the people that we know infected with “the plague.” Just yesterday, a friend admitted that she had the plague, and last night her neighbors stoned her to death. It seems like every Saturday there is a new funeral to attend. I barely know anyone over their 40’s.  I am only 26 years old, how much longer do I have?