After one long year (and an additional two months, counting sixth grade) of Distance Learning, all of seventh grade seemed to pass by in an instant. At summer’s end, I knew that everything would be different, changed. I was not used to being in school, in person, among others. I was not used to sitting in a chair different from my own. And finally, I was not used to having to wear a belt. Truly a change from my place of comfort.

The First Day

The yellow bus rolled past our front gate, preparing to turn back at the loop-around up ahead. Its brakes hissed under its weight, with its engine purring gently. The massive beast laid to rest at our gates, its doors opening slowly. I entered the bus with hesitation, as it felt though I was walking with a chain and ball around my ankle. But upon entering the bus, a familiar face cut through all the tension; it was my previous bus driver, Mrs. McCray! She had driven me to school since fifth grade, and had always been kind to me. Knowing that she was still there relieved me of all my worries. Upon leaving the bus, some remnants of the anxiety still clung to my shoulders, but had worked their way off as the day progressed. I could tell that this was going to be a good year.

Mom: Well, yeah. It was a lot harder for me to get from place to place, because everywhere I went, I had to bring face masks with me… of course, it was difficult to find things like toilet paper and cleaner in the stores, because everyone had bought them already!

Me: Did it affect you on a personal level?

Mom: Yes, of course. The virus forced us to stay away from everyone. It’s really hard on me, since we couldn’t bring Abuela over like we do every weekend. 

Me: Yeah, I know.

Mom: Also, we can’t do those vacations we always do! Don’t you remember how often a year we would take you on cruises and to places like Universal Studios? Now it’s been nearly years since we’ve been to either!

Me: I miss those vacations. Okay, do you want to answer another question?

Mom: Yeah, I’ve got time.

Me: I have one last question: What was it like when you caught the virus?

Mom: Don’t you remember? You caught it, too!

Me: Well, yes… but it didn’t hit me as hard as it hit you.

Mom: I know. It felt as if my lungs were working twice as hard. I kept coughing, and every time I did it felt like I was choking on sandpaper. It’s the most awful feeling. Not to mention, we were on our road trip. Plus, all my work I had to do on my phone. So I was constantly getting nauseous, all the time. And there’s not a lot of places in a car where you can “isolate” yourself from others, so I had to be in the back. But everyone else still got sick.

Me: It’s okay. We pulled through, didn’t we?

Mom: Yeah, you’re right.

Me: Okay. Thanks for answering my questions!

Mom: No problem!