Rugrat ramblings

You may say I’m a dreamer Our youngest member of the team imagines a world without Covid-19

Imagine this. Imagine being earth-side during all of this virus baloney for pretty much most of your life. Imagine not really knowing what the world is like without it.

For me, life right now is normal.

It’s like being born during a zombie apocalypse and becoming that bad-ass kid, not afraid of anything because, well, zombies are the norm. Zombies have always been there.

So when this is all over, and believe me when I say it will be over, I am going to be that bad-ass kid. Not in the sense that I am going to run around with a bow and arrow, prepared to strike if necessary. But in the sense that I am going to live life, baby. Like, really live and be free for the first time ever.

First, I’m going to go and see my friends.

Well - first I will need to make said friends, seeing as I have never actually rolled around with a friend up close before. This virus business has certainly put a pin in my already nonexistent social life. But after I make friends I’m going to greet them with a big flap of my arms, throw some blocks across the room with them and then give a big old ‘MWA’ goodbye on the way out.

Next - I am going to go ‘out out’.

Not just for a quick walk to Fusion and back. Oh no. Fusion will no longer be my social hub. I mean, going out to baby play centres, restaurants and cha chaan teng after they have taken down those silly-looking roll-up banners and acrylic panels. On trains, buses and ferries without worrying about touching the railings and standing less than 1.5 metres apart from the person beside me.

Beauty parlours, mahjong parlours – they’ll all be filled to the brim. Karaoke lounges, bars and nightclubs will bring a buzz back to our

Thoughts and perceptions from the mind of an expat baby

nightlife. ‘Open’ signs will be flashing, drinks will be free-flowing, flights will be available. All of these things mean mum and dad will have a little more skip in their step than before. Which means I may get to stay up a little later and play ‘just because’.

But most of all, I can’t wait for the beaming smiles. I imagine the happy faces of people living life with ease. The cheeky grins from the lady at the cafe. The sneaky smile from the man sitting behind us on the bus. The smiles of people who no longer have to worry about loved ones at risk. The contented looks of a community of millions who have sacrificed the good things in life for the better of our city.

Life right now is not easy. It is not normal and it is not free. Life right now is different, it’s tough, it’s about making sacrifices. But there is hope to hold onto - as long as our hands are washed for twenty seconds while singing ‘Happy Birthday’ and then sanitised for good measure, of course.

Ahh. Just imagine.

“Imagine” by Covid baby

Imagine there’s no virus It’s easy if you try Removing masks from faces More alcohol to buy

Imagine all the people Livin’ as they please Ah

Imagine there’s more people So many there are queues Loo roll is piled up higher Baby wipes and hand towels too

Imagine all the people Livin’ virus free You

You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday this will pass And the world will live as one

Imagine small businesses Can open without doubt No need for greedy shoppers More friends just hanging out

Imagine all the people Sharing all the world You

You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday this will pass And the world will have more fun