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Simple enough really, even an idiot could figure that out”.
    I feel my cheeks burning.
    “It ’s good to see that even in a disaster you’re your usual sarcastic asshole self,” I say with furrowed eyebrows. He’s intentionally trying to embarrass me in front of Emma. I know it shouldn’t even register in my thoughts after we’ve just had such a narrow escape from a dangerous situation, but I can’t help wanting to look good in Emma’s eyes.
    “Yep , well I did learn from the best,” he sniggers back. I let out a chuckle.
    “Ok start listening now.”
    I stare at the radio and listen intently. I hear the president ’s voice stop. There’s a crackle, and he starts again. It must be a recording playing in a loop.
     
    ---“This is your president speaking. As of one AM Sunday the 3rd august, Ireland is in a declared state of emergency. Information as of yet is limited, but what we do know is that a highly contagious viral outbreak has occurred and citizens are requested to remain in their homes.
    Emergency and communication services appear to have been compromised but please rest assure d that if you remain in your homes then this situation will be resolved with minimal casualties.
    We have made contact with our allies overseas via military communication systems and assistance protocols are being negotiated.
    The army is currently being deployed to assist so do not worry help is at hand. I ask you to follow any orders they may have without fuss.
    In circumstances where staying at home is not a viable option, it is advised that you make your way to the nearest Garda station or town hall. These areas will act as safe zones for the duration of this epidemic.
    As for the virus, our top scientists have been able to learn that it is spread via human body fluid exchange so avoid contact with saliva, blood and any other fluids. It does not appear to be an airborne contagion.
    You can trust that your safety is my primary concern, so that is why I’m urging you once again to stay indoors. This is a life or death situation so please do not treat it in any other way. Ration any food you may have to last for as long as possible.
    I will provide further broadcasts as I receive information. S o for the moment lets all pray for a speedy and safe conclusion to this affair. That is all for now. Godspeed”---
     
    There’s a crackle, and the loop begins to repeat again. I turn the volume down. Nobody says anything.
    State of emergency huh? Things must be really bad. Hmmm, I guess we just witnessed firsthand how bad. Stay indoors. That’s good advice and here we are travelling around town like fools. Can they figure out a cure? Is a potential cure even possible to concoct?
    Shawn breaks the silence. “Well we won’t be going to any safe area,” he states with a cynical laugh.
    “Why not?”
    “Because I passed that way to get here and the whole place is fucked man. I mean, it’s like well and truly fucked. We’re just lucky it hasn’t spread on a large scale to this side of the city yet. And I mean YET. It will spread here; it’s just a matter of time. Our only safe bet is to get the hell outta the city, as far away from here as we can.”
    This resonates in my brain. Society was collapsing all around us , and we were completely clueless. We thought it was just some random, violent thugs out to cause trouble when, in reality, the picture was bigger, much bigger!
    I look over at Emma who has been really quiet this entire time.
    “You ok?” I enquire.
    “Does it not upset you that we just maimed and probably killed several people back there?” she retorts.
    True this realisation never dawned on me until now. I guess in the heat of the moment I had overlooked this fact. I turn away in silence. Remorseful thoughts are running true my head.
    Shawn butts in , “Look it was them or you. They wanted to kill you, so it was self-defence, ok? Anyhow, you can hardly call those shitheads human anymore. They’re more like a