Spring Breakout

It is very nice out today. Wow, we haven't had a day like this in a really long time.

Ahh, the slightly cool breeze feels so good. It's exactly what I needed after being cooped up in my apartment for weeks.

This cloth mask is so itchy.

Darn it, why isn't that park gate opening! Ugh, wait-finally, there we go.

No, Mocha! Stop chasing after those pesky squirrels, you fluffy yet adorably cliche dog! Why must almost every dog like squirrels so much? Aww, it is really cute though.

There's the spot where the inhumanely fast runner always stops to take a break. Empty.

And there's the star-shaped sandbox that the cute little triplets always play in around this time. No trace of them. The tiny, bright colored sand toys lay there, so lonely that I have to look away. Oh, and there's the tree that their dad sits under. The way he lovingly watches his kids with a smile always tugs at my heart.

Oh yes, the bench where that kind old couple always sit and feed the nasty pigeons that only like them. It's amazing how stale old crackers can bribe those-creatures. They're so savagely murderous that it's funny, even, that they can be won over that easily.

Sigh, somehow I even miss that one usual drunk guy staggering around. I used to hope he didn't come too close to me. I used to avoid him by hiding behind bushes and run when he tottered past. But now, even if he talked to me or said something stupid to me, I wouldn't mind. At all.

Wow! Oh my gosh! This blossom tree is so pretty! The pale pink ruffly petals look perfect in the evening light. It's really too bad that no one else is here to enjoy it with me. I should take a picture to send to Mom. Oh, Mom and her plants. I never went a day without talking to every single one of them. I can still remember glaring at the numerous plants lining my desktop and windowsills with resentment in my heart. When I moved out, she gave me more than my desk, countertop, and windowsills could fit. I miss being able to hug my mom. I remember absolutely hating the smell of fertilizer and flowers on her, but now I'd gladly embrace it for hours. Days, even. Maybe even months. I miss it that much.

And there Mocha goes. She looks kind of down, trodding slowly like that. I guess it's because the nice old man whose ankles she always nips at is absent. I feel bad for him, though-he has to wipe the dog saliva off his ankles every day after our evening walk.

Jeez, my shoes untied again. I can't believe you would do this to me, mean shoes. I paid seventy-three dollars just for you. And this is what I get for seventy-three dollars. Life.

Haha, that old lady though. I miss seeing her wobble around unsteadily with her cane, dress tucked into her underwear. I'd always stifle a giggle, but I still felt guilty and wanted to tell her. I just couldn't figure out how. I mean, how do you respectfully tell an elderly person that every day after her seven o'clock bathroom trip, her underwear is exposed to the world? She seemed really nice, and I didn't want to hurt her feelings.

The park is so empty-it feels kind of wrong to be walking here alone. It's like I'm trespassing or something. I know that I have Mocha to keep me company, but it's not the same as having a mutual conversation in person. Right now, it's just, me, Mocha, and the flowers. When I yell for Mocha, I can hear the hollow echo of my voice around the park. It's usually chatty and brimming with action. Kids screaming and playing. Friends and couples chatting. The drunk guy yelling scrambled sentences. The thud of the runner's feet on the pavement. The music floating through the air from some street performer. Dogs barking excitedly as they meet up with their friends. The heels of a businesswoman clicking on the ground. The sizzle and chop of a street vendor's cooking.

I miss all of it.

So, so, much.

Right, the sky is getting darker. I should head back now, or soon. I should hurry-I have an online class in twenty minutes. My heart kind of aches to see my friends, and I even miss my professors' faces. Video calls don't suffice. Nothing can beat the feeling of your friend's presence beside you. It feels like the professors decided to double our work since we're staying home, though. At least I don't have to get ready.

New shoes, my one true love, why must you be so disloyal to me? Please stay tied, I beg you! I look dumb, bending down to tie my shoes every five minutes! I know there's like, no one here, but please keep it together until we get home! Untie all you want when we get there.

Ugh, this cursed park gate. Why does every single inanimate thing have to betray me? Open sesame! Wait, I can't believe that worked. Next time, I'm saying open sesame as I push the gate open. Let me try again to make sure. Wow, it worked again! Um, i-is that guy staring at me? Did he hear me chant Open sesame? Twice? Oh no, he probably thinks I'm crazy. Speed run, speed run.

Finally, I've arrived home at last. Home sweet home. It's good to be home. No place like home. I need to take off my shoes and go directly to the bathroom without touching anything to stay safe. First, wash my hands for at least twenty seconds. Ahh, I love the new sakura hand soap I got. Then, I should hop in the shower. And of course, wash my clothes afterward.

The walk was nice, with the beautiful spring buds starting to bloom, but so very quiet and lonely. COVID-19 really has ruined our beautiful world, silencing every area it touches.