I Hope It's Not Good Bye

          May 4, 2020. It’s the second month of the implementation of the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine. The pandemic has affected people from all over the world. Young, old, black, white, Asian, Western, rich and poor. Well, you name it and surely there is someone from your own classification that is already affected by the Corona Virus.

          This thing is not something to be taken just like a joke. This is a serious thing which has taken thousands of lives already and the number of cases is just getting bigger and bigger every day. Yet, the government had neglected to respond quickly in banning domestic and international flights since early February, the parents still don’t mind their children running ‘round the streets being more exposed to the virus, rich people are being more selfish hoarding foods and medical supplies which ignores the fact that things won’t get any better if they continue doing that, and, many more. Anyway, enough of that. I still got a job to do. I can’t just nag and nag all day because, it’s no use if the eyes and ears of these people are still shut.

          I’m working as a nurse in a public hospital. I’ve seen people beg their doctors to help them, to save them from the pain. The agony in their faces. If people could only see the situation face to face, maybe they’ll value their lives more. Just maybe, things will be a lot easier and this’ll be over.

          “Linetta! It’s already fifteen minutes pass seven and you’re still there laying on your bed. You need to get up now. People out there need you-" my mom said from outside my room. "Oh! And by the way, I already packed your lunch it’s at the table beside your breakfast. I’ll be in my room, if you ever need me.” She added as I hear the sound of her foot steps get fainter.

          I got up from my bed and fell on my knees to utter my prayers. I can’t do this by myself, I thought to myself. Then, I proceeded to fix myself up and eat my breakfast quickly as to not waste any more time. As I walked pass by the living room, I saw my little brother watching some kind of superhero cartoon while eating his own meal. Unintentionally, I sighed as I imagined myself being the kind of hero unequipped without any superpowers send out for an intense battle with a small but terrible villain. It makes my heart ache whenever I thought of that fact, so I shrugged it off.

          My brother noticed me and looked at me over his shoulder. Then, he turned with a smile on his face and tried to run headed for me. Quickly, I stepped back and he stopped right on his tracks.

           “Woah, there little fella!” I said still maintaining some distance between us. I tried hard not to touch anything else in this house, aside from my food and things in my room. It was always my mom who would open the door for me whenever I went in and out of the house. I’ve taken a habit of heading straight to the bathroom then, to my room once I got home. I don’t go out of my room much, not that I still have time for it. But, it’s a bit safer like that, I guess.

          “Good morning, Ate Lin! Are you going to fight evil monsters outside again?” He asked, still with a smile on his face. He sat down on a chair a few feet away from where I stood.

          “Yup, more civilians are being held captured by those villains. So, you should take care of Mom and yourself for me when I’m outside, okay? And, don’t go outside or else, the villains will hold capture of you too.” I said to him while carrying my back pack and a small paper bag.

          “I sure will do, boss! Well, I bet you and your super hero buddies will do a great job defeating them.” he said as he jolted up and saluted like a soldier. I breathed a sigh of relief for he didn’t quite noticed the things that I was carrying, which was a good thing.

           “I hope so...” I muttered to myself. “Yes, buddy. I will do my best. I’ll head out now, okay? Good bye!” I said to him. He nodded in response and went back to the living room to resume watching the cartoon he was into earlier.

            “Good bye, Mom!” I shouted as I hurried my way to the door, without waiting for her response.

           Today will be another day in our battle field. I decided to leave a note on my door about my decision of staying along with my co-workers in an apartment near the hospital I’m working in. It’s not that I don’t want my mom to meddle with my decisions, but it’s just hard to talk to her about leaving without the assurance of going back. However, I am sure my mom would understand the situation we are all in. I just hope I can still go back home and be with them. I pray that this will be over soon.

          ‘Mom… little bro.. I love you.. your girl will do her best... Good bye..’