When the first baby was born wearing a mask, he was immediately taken into care and observation; Eva felt as if they took away her stomach. The studies have shown that the studies were right; The human organism, perhaps the most sophisticated survival mechanism in nature, had evolved and adapted to the virus. The virus mutates, man too; same old familiar story since the first unicellular creature had emerged.
Until the scientists bring her baby back, Eva asked Lucia, her delivery-room neighbor, if she may place her newly born son on her chest; it was like holding God in the palm of your hand. In order not to impair the normal development of the object of research, the researchers had allotted Eva with several minutes a day in its presence. During those limited moments they had shared, Eva had meticulously examined the bizarre turquoise object, that covered her son’s glowing face. White rubber bands were stretched to the back of the tiny ears, and a thin layer of membrane fused them into the soft skin. Microscopic particles of plastic were embedded into the nasal cartilage, which was no larger than a button. When the child asked to breastfeed, the elastic membrane stretched downwards, like gills, and Eva served him with her nipple. She refused to admit it, even to herself – but Eva couldn’t help being disgusted. The obstetrician, on the other hand, was fascinated by the level of accuracy of the mutation – nature had imitated almost perfectly the mechanics of the mask. Hadn’t he known better, he’d be tempted to believe it were the works of an intelligent designer.
The human Epsilon species were more protected, less sick, with longer longevity. As it always is with natural selection, some organisms had evolved faster than others. During the year following the first Epsilon birth, about sixty percent of babies were born with a mask on. Studies have shown that babies of the old breed are carriers of new mutations of the virus, and the World Health Organization had recommended a series of tests that any future mother will undergo, for early detection of the Amaskial Syndrome.
Two years later, astir Maria and Joseph arrived for their first Ultrasound test. For five whole years they try. Fertility treatments, a note on the Western…
The story continues in the full book. You can buy it, or ask for a discounted or free copy. Forgive the marketing trick.
