unit 4

Deadly diseases

The Outbreak

My name is Ah Ming.I was a waiter at a cha chaan teng in Mong Kok.This is the story about how I became an infamous person in Hong Kong.

The day started just like any other.I woke up and went to work.I saw all our usual diners trickle in for lunch.There was the general practitioner,Dr Lu,and his nurse assistant.There was the sweet elderly couple from accross the street.I forgot their names though.There were also the construction workers from the nearby building project,and the insurance agents from next door.There were some newcomers as well.They included a group of students,a couple of cleaning ladies and a pregnant woman.

'Hey!Turn on the TV,'The doctor shouted at me.'I just got a text alert about some breaking news!'

So,I switched on the TV.'We interrupt this broadcast to bring you a special news bulletin,'The anchorman said.'According to hospital authorities,there may be an outbreak of an infectious disease spreading rapidly throughout Hong Kong.'

I watched the news with the rest of our customers as the anchorman gave more warnings about the epidemic.Then,I heard my boss's voice coming from the kitchen.

'Were you watching the news again?'my boss asked.

'Yes,I was watching the news,'I replied.

'While you are watching the news,I took care of all your tables.Now,get back to work!'My boss screamed.

Ugh!I brought the doctor his meal.I couldn't help overhearing the news though.'The virus seems to be spread through contaminated food.Several of the victims recently ate at the same restaurant in Mong Kok.'

I looked down at my hands.Did I forget to wash them again?Actually,when was the last time I washed them? I couldn't remember.

The doctor was already digging into his chicken.He wasn't looking too good though.He started holding his belly.His skin was turning red.His nose began to bleed.Were these the symptoms of the new disease?

Dr Lu died before the ambulance arrived.The virus killed thousands of people before it was finally stopped.And it was my fault.If I had washed my hands,no one would have died.That's the story about how I became infamous in Hong Kong.