Severance

This chapter consists of the Shen Fever FAQ booklet which Spectra handed out in Chapter 1. The FAQ states that Shen Fever is a fungal disease which originated in Shenzhen, China, and has spread to the US, with a large portion of cases local to New York. Shen Fever causes lapses in memory, disorientation, and other milder symptoms which inevitably worsen until the disease is fatal. It’s transmitted by breathing in fungal spores, but person-to-person transmission is not possible.

For five years, Candace ascends the ladder at Spectra while continuing to do the same work. Her unchanging routine consists of going to work and coming home to watch movies in Jonathan’s apartment. She finds a new supplier for the Gemstone Bible and fulfills the contract. When the new supplier closes soon afterward due to worker health issues, Candace tells herself that she “just doing [her] job” (151).

After Jonathan breaks up with her, Candace attends a party at the apartment of Lane, one of the Art Girls, who encourages her to apply for a new opening in the Art department. Candace is tempted by the offer but feels nauseated and out of place among the glamorous women.