"Yes, I was a survivor of the coronavirus. It was brutal, but I fought through it. I was about 35 at the time, when the virus was still going strong, about August, and scientists still didn’t have a vaccine, but I was a first-responder, so I had no choice but to go to work. It was such a sinking feeling when I tested positive for the virus, and the whole experience was hard. I couldn't feel anything in my legs, and it was miserable. But for me, the worst thing was that I couldn’t be there to help others when they needed me most.” her mother said solemnly. “But in the end, I ended up triumphing and overcoming that feisty little virus.”
Keira was in awe. Her mom actually fought and won over a virus. She had so many questions -- but one of them interested her in particular. “Mom, why didn’t anyone recognize all the people that didn’t survive and why didn’t anyone recognize the virus and what it did to people?” Keira asked. “I mean, was the virus even a good thing, in the slightest possible way?” “Well, actually the virus did have some pros.” her mother responded. “For example, people became more sanitary, and people spoke up more about mental health as well as other issues. But to answer your other question, I actually don’t really know. I think you made a great point, about how people never brought the virus and the victims to justice.” she smiled sadly, and Keira knew that she had to do something. She knew it wouldn’t be much, but it would be enough for her. “Mom, thank you for telling me this. May I be excused from the table?” Keira asked, slightly impatient. “Wh-but you haven’t touched your food!” her mother said. “I’m not hungry.” “.....fine, but just this time.” her mother said hesitantly. Keira smiled and ran up to her room.
As Keira lay in bed, she really started to think about the pandemic in a deeper way. She tried to imagine herself in anyone's shoes at the time.She couldn’t imagine the fright that this caused people, and suddenly she felt grateful for being born later. What if she was the one that had gotten the virus? If the pandemic never existed, would things be different? What would have happened if a vaccine was never discovered? As she tossed and turned, her sheets and body all sweaty, these questions ran through her head like piercing bolts of lightning. She soon drifted into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile in Kiera’s dream…..
March, 2020
“Ok, everyone, settle down!” No need to freak out. We just have to remember to be prepared in case there is an outbreak here.” Pamela Delgado commanded. (Keira’s mother.) It was the start of what would be over a year of the coronavirus, and Pamela was in charge of taking care of it. “Right now, we have to be concerned about our patients, and to be as composed as possible.” The truth is, she didn’t know what to do, but she had to be strong for everyone else, so for now, at least, she had to do whatever was possible for her patients, and for the world.
May, 2020
May 25
“Today, Mr. George Floyd, a 46 year old African-American, has been murdered by a police officer. In Minneapolis. Mr. Derek Chauvin has been accused of choking him with his knee, for 9 minutes, leading to death. Allegations against Mr. Chauvin have continued, we will provide more information when possible. Back to you, Michelle.” Pamela Delgado turned off the T.V, her hand shaking against the remote. She put her face in her hands, processing, or at least trying to process, what just happened. As if things couldn’t get any worse than a virus outbreak, they did.