The first morning people were allowed to travel beyond the city for family reasons, the roads filled before sunrise.
Ethan and Maya did not leave immediately.
They waited three days.
They cleaned the car. Packed gifts that had sat untouched since December. Added new gifts bought online during lockdown. Maya made enough food for a small army.
At the front door, Ethan looked at the faded paper taped beside the frame.
Wash hands.
Disinfect keys.
Seal used masks.
COME HOME.
Fear doesn't get a vote.
He removed the first three rules.
Maya stopped him before he took down the last two.