The Endemic

A short story written by Ivan Rickard Liow with PlotWeaver: Cards of Creation, a storytelling game made by Mod Hob Cooperative.

This story uses a Circular Plot Pattern, written in 10-minute timed acts with all story cards drawn at random. For more information, visit www.plotweavergame.com

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Act 1: History & Routines

Story Element Cards: The Catalyst, Clinic, and Living a Secret Life

Jason is a thirty-five-year-old nurse who administers treatments and vaccines at the clinic where he works. The clinic is exactly what you would expect: bright white walls, white ceilings, fluorescent lights, sterile counters. Everything is done by the book. From drug administration to note-taking to cleaning the floors, the process is methodical and impersonal.

It is 2022, and the world is in the middle of a global pandemic.

Jason does not believe in it.

He thinks it is a conspiracy cooked up by governments. He resents what he calls “the sheep” who come in line after line to get vaccinated. He cannot say any of this out loud. He has seen what happens to people who refuse the vaccine. He cannot afford to lose his job.

So he lives a secret life inside his own head.

He believes he can subtly convince people not to take it. He will be the change he wants to see. Quietly.

That is where it begins.