The Teal Mask and the Witness of Veronica, by Elizabeth A. Mitchell

She sat there, quietly, at the table in the break room.  The first thing I noticed about her was her dark, gentle eyes.  Large and welcoming. The next thing I noticed was her distinctive teal mask. The sign, at our workplace, of an unvaccinated worker.

The teal mask.

“Any unvaccinated staff members will be required to wear the teal colored N95 mask at all times,” the notice read. Blessed to have received a religious exemption allowing me to continue to work, I had to be tested weekly and wear the special mask.  I was grateful to make these small sacrifices to remain at my post. …