(This story is my original story, first published as part of the 100 Words of Solitude project and available for sale through the link provided: https://100wordsofsolitude.wordpress.com/100-words-of-solitude/. All rights have since reverted to me.)

A potent fear lurks behind my composure and smiles as I leave, my neighbors cheering, clapping, calling me a hero. It stretches forth and consumes me little by little through the journey, until I’m fully engulfed by the time I arrive at the hospital.

It’s a long time to hold one’s breath but I can only breathe at work’s end. A little boy in torn clothes stands behind my car, no mask, no gloves, looking dirty. I reach into my bag and offer him some.

‘Mask and glove useless for street, madam. Na house to sleep I need,’ he says.