Overview

Zara Whitcomb finds herself like many others — wholly unprepared for a viral outbreak.

But she isn't like many others. Zara is disabled. As such she relies on caregivers to assist her with everyday tasks. Shopping, cooking, cleaning… the task list goes on. And, under normal circumstances, she relies on those two people to be not only her help and company, but her lifeline.

But that all changes when her caregivers refused to come in to work, despite being labeled essential. The risk has become too much for them they say, despite the risk Zara is already in.

So she is suddenly left with no safety net. No support. Her caseworker isn't answering the phone. She can't rely on family, and she's starting to wonder if she will ever get out of her bed and into her power chair, ever again.

Enter Tyler and Rhys, Zara's floor mates.

Through a series of events on that fateful day, both Tyler and Rhys become involved in Zara's life. Something that quickly evolves into an interconnected web of disability services and policy, demands of the new normal, and yes, love.

Zara isn't just different due to her disability. She is also queer. Bisexual. She has always felt attraction to Rhys and Tyler, but never gave herself permission to explore. And never was sure if they would feel the same way back, let alone allow her to let them in the same breath.

But things are far from normal, so perhaps she has a chance.

Perhaps they all do.

And maybe they will realize just what being Essential means.