Honestly, if anything other than money should become the new world currency, it should be cleansing wipes. Any challenge can be faced with clear skin and tight pores, and she’s certain the world will soon realize their value and start hoarding them just like she did when she hid hers under a floorboard in her closet.
All schools have been closed until further notice, which basically means until the world sees how the missile will pan out. Cassandra never imagined she would miss school so much. She’s tried to see her friends as much as possible, but aside from the other Zodiacs, everyone is hunkering down with their families. Even Suki, who hates her little brother, has been making excuses to stay home. She even posted a picture on Insta of the two of them playing Sorry.
Meanwhile, Cassandra’s hardly left her room all the time she’s been at home. But she can’t avoid it any longer. Her stomach is starting to growl, and she’s always found that sound utterly disgusting. Conceding to her finely toned musculature’s constant need for protein, she reluctantly opens her door and ventures into the kitchen.
“No, that is unacceptable!” her mother yells into her phone, her shrill voice carrying from the living room. “The order was supposed to be here today and I expect it today!”
Cassandra grabs a handful of protein bars from the cabinet. These should do. Although, she’s very thirsty, too. Maybe a juice from the fridge…
“Ugh, how ridiculous!” Her mother storms into the kitchen and slams her phone on the counter.
Crap, not fast enough.
“Can you believe this?” her mother whines.
“What?” Cassandra asks only because she has to.
“Costco claims they’re completely sold out of toilet paper! When I placed the order, their website said no such thing.” She points her finger indignantly to further state her claim. “Now what are we going to do? All the stores are empty, too.”
“We have several dozen rolls, I think we’ll be fine,” Cassandra points out.
“Yes, but how long will those last us with the rest of the world going crazy?” Her mother flaps her hands around wildly as she speaks. She’s the epitome of hysterical right now. “I refuse to resort to using leaves.” Her botoxed lips actually twist in a disgusted frown, which is an impressive feat.
“Don’t be silly.” Cassandra waves a faux reassuring hand. “We’ll go through all the coffee filters before that happens.”
Her mother scowls at her. “I do not need your sass right now, young lady.” She places both hands on the counter and hangs her head, making a weeping sound. “Why is this happening to me?”
This is happening to all of us, Cassandra thinks with disdain.
All of her friends’ parents are doing all they can to comfort their kids, and here’s Cassandra’s mother, worrying only about her own hardships, which aren’t even as big as those of most.
But, she is Cassandra’s mother, after all. Maybe Cassandra isn’t doing enough to comfort her?
Cassandra moves closer and puts her hand on her mom’s shoulder. “I’m sure that all the factories are rushing to create more. Toilet paper will be back in stock in no time, and no doubt your order will be the first to be filled.”
Her mother lifts her head and looks at her with moist eyes. “You really think so?”
Cassandra offers a smile. “Of course.”
Her mom suddenly throws her arms around Cassandra, catching Cassandra off guard. “Oh, I hope so.”
Sighing and rolling her eyes with an accepting smile, Cassandra pats her mother’s back. Maybe now that she’s coaxed her mom into a state of slightly less hysterics, she can escape back to her room until it’s time to head to Tristan’s.
No sooner as she and her mom withdraw from the very rare embrace, the front door closes, which can only mean one thing.
Her father is home.
Oh, no.
“Ah, well don’t you girls look cozy,” he says as he enters the kitchen, wearing his I-just-made-a-deal smile.
“Oh, dear, you won’t believe this,” her mother says as she turns to him, right back to her full hysterics. “Costco cancelled our toilet paper delivery, claiming they’re out of stock!”
He comes closer and pecks her on the cheek. “Don’t you worry about that, darling. Business never stops, not even times like these. In fact, it only gets better! They'll be back in stock in no time and I can assure you that we’ll be the first delivery.”
“That’s what Cassandra said.” Her mother wipes away a tear before it can be seen.
“Well, even a broken clock is right twice a