In an era marked by an inexplicable surge in romantic behavior, a prominent pathologist at High Dawn Hospital becomes embroiled in a mysterious epidemic that appears to drive people to fall intensely in love. This unusual outbreak—characterized by elevated rates of marriage, emotional instability, and social disorder—is soon linked to an enigmatic virus displaying microscopic six‐sided structures. Working alongside his efficient and dedicated assistant, the pathologist embarks on a rigorous investigation to isolate the virus and determine its effect on the human body, particularly on the endocrine system. As the virus spreads, society descends into rampant amorous frenzy: college campuses turn into scenes of impassioned trysts, traditional institutions like marriage and family undergo unprecedented strain, and even industrial productivity bears the cost of widespread emotional distraction. Amid the chaos, the doctor’s personal life is thrown into turmoil. Once a steadfast bachelor, he finds himself increasingly captivated by his assistant—a dual relationship that begins on a purely professional footing but slowly evolves into an intense, all-consuming affair. Their mutual research intensifies as they probe blood samples, employ cutting-edge electron microscopy, and conduct experiments on monkeys to replicate the virus’s effects. In their quest for a cure, a promising compound—sulfa-tetradine—is identified as having the potential to inhibit the virus in vitro and in animal models, sparking hope of quelling both the public health crisis and the personal afflictions it has wrought. Despite his scientific detachment, the doctor is not immune to the virus’s pathologic pull. His own infection leads to erratic bouts of overwhelming desire and physical obsession with his assistant, intertwining his professional mission with his personal vulnerability. Their relationship, forged in the crucible of shared crisis, vacillates between passionate connection and the stark reality of experimental science. The narrative follows both the systemic impact of the epidemic on society and the inner conflict of the doctor, whose clinical objectivity is compromised by the very phenomenon he seeks to understand. As government oversight intensifies and media frenzy labels the outbreak with a sensational nickname, the protagonist grapples with the paradox of being both the discoverer and a victim of the virus. His self-administered treatment, risky and unconventional, underscores the ethical complexities of a scientist caught between duty and desire. Ultimately, the story portrays a cautionary tale about the fine line between instinctive human affection and pathological obsession. It explores how a scientifically mysterious agent can unbalance both individual lives and broader societal norms, challenging notions of love as a purely emotional state by revealing its deep biological underpinnings. The work concludes on a bittersweet note as the promise of a remedy is tempered by the personal cost of the infection, leaving both the doctor and his assistant to confront the enduring consequences of a love-induced affliction.
By Winston K. Marks · First published 1978 · Genre: Medical Fiction, Science Fiction, Satire · 5 chapters