It was a rider on the astronauts when they left the space station. Scientists weren’t sure where it came from but the space station was showered in dust from a meteor. The bacteria was inside the astronauts during sterilization.
The astronauts – four of them – went home to their husbands, wife, and girlfriend. They kissed. They made love. Dr. Karen Lake had sex four times with her husband and fell asleep satiated. When she awoke she felt fantastic. A brilliant mood. She had a report to write. She had to prepare for teaching in a few weeks. She needed to care for her daughter. Dr. Lake did none of that. She ate. She drank. She had a lovely thirst for liquor. Dr. Lake stayed awake until she passed out and the next day she was even more euphoric.
After two weeks, the bacteria had infected hundreds and soon thousands. No one wanted to do anything. They felt too wonderful to do anything. People make lists and accomplish goals because they want to be happy not because they are happy. If you feel wonderful you don’t care about anything at all but that feeling of contentment.
Dr. Lake began to notice her skin rotting and she began spitting up blood. She stared in the mirror and smiled. Her skin was mottled and falling off. She was dying. Death does not worry the happy.
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