THEY ARE EVERYWHERE

Before the Outbreak

Two days before the human eating virus outbreak, Lisa sat at her neighbors' terrace, surrounded by the warm glow of lanterns and the savory aroma of traditional soup. The elderly Mrs. Jenkins, a respected matriarch in the community, smiled at Lisa as she began to share a story.

"Lisa, dear, you know how much we love our Scotch Broth around here?" Mrs. Jenkins asked, her eyes twinkling. "It's more than just a soup, it's a symbol of our heritage and community."

Lisa nodded, her eyes wide with curiosity. "I've noticed how much you all love it, but I never knew it held such significance."

Mr. Jenkins, Mrs. Jenkins' husband, chimed in, his voice rich with nostalgia. "Ah, yes! Scotch Broth has been a staple in our community for generations. It's a hearty soup made with lamb or beef, vegetables, and barley. But it's not just the ingredients that make it special – it's the way it brings us together."

The elderly couple's grandchildren, seated around the table, nodded in agreement. One of them, a young woman named Emily, spoke up. "I remember helping my grandmother make Scotch Broth for special occasions, like weddings and holidays. It was always a big production, but it brought the whole family together."

Mrs. Jenkins continued, "And it's not just about the taste, although it's absolutely delicious. It's about the tradition and the love that goes into making it. We've passed down our recipes and techniques from generation to generation, and it's a way for us to connect with our ancestors and our heritage."

Lisa listened intently, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn about her neighbors' culture. "That's so beautiful," she said. "I can see why it's such an important part of our community."

As the evening wore on, the conversation flowed like the soup, warm and comforting. They talked about the local ingredients, the best ways to prepare the broth, and the memories they'd made around the table. Lisa felt like she was becoming a part of their family, and she cherished the moment.

As the night drew to a close, Mrs. Jenkins patted Lisa's hand. "We're so glad you're here, Lisa. You're always welcome at our table."

Lisa smiled, feeling a sense of belonging. "Thank you, Mrs. Jenkins. This has been a truly special evening."

And with that, the evening continued, the soup simmering in the background, a symbol of the warmth and connection that filled the hearts of the people around the table...

As the evening drew to a close, Lisa offered to help the younger kids clear the table and do the dishes. Mike, who had been quietly observing the conversation, smiled and joined in, helping to stack the plates and utensils. His mother, Martha, nodded in approval, "Gracias, Lisa. You're always so helpful."

As they worked, Mike and Lisa chatted about their day at school, discussing their assignments and shared classes. Mike's sister, Esmeralda, who was a few years younger, listened in, her eyes wide with excitement.

Martha, who was drying the dishes, smiled at the two young friends. "You two are like two peas in a pod. Always together, always helping each other out."

Lisa blushed, feeling a warmth in her heart. She had known Mike since they were both kids, and their families had always been close. Mike's parents, Martha and Carlos, were like second parents to her, and she loved spending time at their house. Carlos works as a road constructor while his wife, Martha, the community head nurse. Mike's parent are one of the wealthy people in the community.

The Johnson's have always been in a good relationship with Mike's family and they are always welcome at each other houses. Mike Jenkins and Lisa Johnson relationship are likened to as if they are dating but they are too young for a real relationship, so they are more closer like best of friends, and always helping each other with home chores and school activities, as well as assignments. Lisa would wake up every morning, early, so as to meet up with Mike, because his parents takes them to school every morning before going to their different places of work.