The First Day of Covid

The First Day of Covid Catalina S, Class of 2028

I come down stairs and everything has changed. From the look on my parents' faces to the odd silence outside. My mom is on the phone with my grandma arranging plans for her to come. Why arent we going there? The doorbell rings but it's groceries not my friend. Again, it rings. It’s a package but it's not my birthday present; it’s masks. What is going on? Why are the busy streets so quiet? My brother comes down and asks when we are leaving for California. We are not going. “Why?” my brother asks, but I stand there. I know why. Covid finally reached New York.

It all makes sense now. Why my teachers said “see you in April” when spring break was not for two weeks. Why my grandma has to quarantine to come visit. Why my dad looks so worried. Why my mom's eyes are red. I go upstairs and see that no one is out in New York. I try to relax but my friends are asking me what is happening. My brother comes in and asks “what will happen next?” Now I am wondering the same.

Will I go to school and see my friends or even go outside? My dog comes in but I know I can't walk her. I come downstairs to eat, my brother behind me, my dog at my heels. We eat some cereal and then watch TV. My mom doesn't even care that my dog is on the couch. I ask her if I will go back to school on Monday and she does not know. I try to talk to my friends but all they talk about is Covid. I hear a clatter. My parents bought a freezer. “Why do we have a fridge?” I ask. They say we will not be able to go to the supermarket. I have always overlooked the supermarket, but not going sounds crazy.

There is a bing at the door. Finally, a friend. But it is no one, just the empty streets. Soon my mom knocks on my door. I am scrolling through pictures of me and my friends and what it was like before. She asks me if I am alright and I do not answer. She brings me to a store for the last time to pick out a final present. I go home and snuggle Jagie and W.Poo, my oldest friends. I wonder if we will ever have a stuffy meeting with Bear, Ducky, and Cheetah. My iPad rings. It’s my friend Emma trying to call me. I come downstairs and see my family all together..

It is 7:00. I hear a tiny roar. Soon it grows and grows. People are cheering for healthcare workers. My whole family goes out to cheer. I know people will stop thinking of New York but we New Yorkers never will. We hear music. We dance and cheer. Now I know quarantine will not be nearly as bad.