Mr. Evan's returns

Lee's hands were full now. Of insignificant things: laptop, papers, a coffee cup. The usual Monday attire. When he saw his reflection in the mirror on his way out of the door, the completeness of the image made him pause. He certainly looked the part of the teacher, even if he did not yet completely feel it. Desperately, he searched the reflection for some sign of his old self but could find none. What was left after he was washed clean?

Something caught his eye in the corner of the frame. A face with bright blue lips stretched thin. Lee's heart stopped and the coffee cup slipped from his hand. He blinked and the face was gone. Although only a second had passed, Lee recognized the blue-lipped smile. He had seen the face enough times on the evening news.

His hands shook and his mind raced as he cleaned up the coffee. When he was finished he reached for his phone, taking a steadying breath, and dialed a number. Lee knew he could no longer ignore the fog that shrouded the city.

Jose answered on the second ring.