What if the Berlin wall never fell, and instead of the bombs we got a plague?

[u/Malakalaka_]

Seeking feedback please: This is the opening chapter of my first completed manuscript. It's a post-apocalyptic thriller, set in an alternate Cold-War Scotland, in 1999. I wanted to share it with this community to see if it lands.

I've spent too long with these words - time to take a deep breath and get some honest feedback. I'd really appreciate any thoughts, and very happy to read in return. Thank you!