PlagueFest

Let's be honest: We all know that attending a convention during a pandemic is maybe not the best idea.

Some of us did it anyway.

So, so, so many of us.

For the longest time, I wasn't planning to go to BreyerFest. I didn't rush to buy a ticket when they went on sale, and I turned down multiple volunteer jobs. I was determined to spend the week embracing JOMO.

Then the powers that be asked me to judge the BreyerFest Best Customs Contest.

It was such an honor. I didn't feel like I could say no.

I discussed it with my family, and they encouraged me to go. I promised I would try to be safe. 

I took that promise seriously and wore my mask in crowded, indoor spaces.

photo by Missy Shaw

But I did take it off for meals...

photo by Heather Puleo

and photos.

And sometimes I forgot to put it back on.

I had a great week and was feeling tired and happy when we piled into Fabian's car for the long ride home.

Those feelings held all the way through Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. When we got to Missouri, all three of our phones started pinging.

The news was both surprising and not.

not mine

In the space of twenty minutes, BreyerFest became PlagueFest.

also not mine

We arrived at my home in Aurora today, sat down on the front porch and took our tests.

This is literally the best BreyerFest loot photo I have ever taken.

There are no sure things when it comes to Covid, so we'll all test again tomorrow. Still, I am cautiously optimistic that we might have dodged this bullet.

It's an unfortunate postscript to an otherwise wonderful week. I wish health and happiness to all my fellow plague rats. I miss you already!