A tale of many cities had forged its way through the land, forcing those in its path to hide away for a while – to rest securely in the comfort of their dwellings – to abandon the places which once consumed their time – to be limited in their wandering.

At first the time passed quickly as new skills were learned and families grew closer together.  Eventually, the routine became burdensome to many and they longed to be outside the four walls that contained them.  As days passed into weeks and turned into months, tempers flared – anxiety set in – a feeling of imprisonment and loneliness took the place of the extended vacation syndrome.  Though they were still allowed to be outdoors, the walls of their detention began to close in on them.

Slowly the restrictions were lifted and some took complete advantage of it.  They ventured out like grubs from the bottom of an overturned rock.  Some blatantly returned to places that would make them feel pampered.  Heads of scruffy hair begged to be cut and groomed.  Others found solace in simply being with others.  Some chose to go to houses of worship and thank their Creator for opening the doors for them again.  Some chose to stay at home.  They had become accustomed to the serenity of being housebound.  They felt a sense of safety and peace, being isolated from the rest of the world.

The enemy had not yet been defeated, but the world could not stand still and wait to be conquered.  Instead the brilliant minds – the innovators – the scientists – those who came up with cures for the most heinous diseases convened to find answers.  To create a strategy that would once more bring life to a civilization on hold.

In the meantime, enemies from other sources reared their ugly heads.  Those who wished to see their wealth return – the politicians – the naysayers – the idle and those who would benefit from such disaster.  There always seemed to be plenty of them.

The people felt so deserving of getting back to normal.  This time of incarceration was more than they could bear.  It felt good to be with friends again and to share time, food, laughter and hugs.  Many tossed caution to the wind and refused to cover their faces with the mandatory concealments.  Gloves were tossed aside.  The enemy was still with them, but the people felt cheated of their every day pleasures.  They could not be stilled.

Many would take on the cause of revolution.  Some became violent in this new surge.  They looted and pillaged.  They waged a new war in which they rebelled at anything that would restrict them.  This battle would be far greater than the one they had been fighting for the past short months.