Every morning, my window greets me with a view of the park. It is full of green, gently kissed by the sun. Some birds dance their way to the trees, and those pink little flowers move to the rhythm of the wind. But no one is there.
My mother would always tell me to go for a walk, refresh my mind and move my body, which is often found lying on the sofa. Only now, when I cannot leave home, I have a strong urge to run into that gold and green forest that I always saw as a dull park. An urge to visit that friend whose messages I ignored, to visit my grandparents every Sunday morning, when I was too sleepy to smile yet not tired enough to stop complaining. To go to the beach and let the cold sea embrace my body, even if I hate summer. To ride the bicycle I have not touched in years. To say hi to the neighbor I never talked to. To walk without any destination but just feel the company of the wind. I used to be annoyed by the repetitive sounds of cars running along the road in front of my house, but now that sound is rare, and whenever it comes, I enjoy its short company.
This is my twenty-second day without leaving home, not even a step taken behind the door. It is only now that I can ask myself, how could we take so much for granted? Actions that were once so simple are now risky, and moments that we used to avoid, are currently embraced with bittersweet nostalgia. Being at home… with friends. Holding hands. Walking with someone down the same path. Feeling the warmth of a hug, a comforting caress cleaning your tears away. The everything’s going to be alright whisper touching your left ear. Sitting on the bus next to a stranger you would only know until the next stop. Greeting your friend’s parents, even if they do not like you. Making eye contact and smiling. The I’m outside text. Laughing at a random joke that one friend tells. Laughing so much your body physically hurts.
When we used to sit together in front of a screen, instead of being divided by it.
We took so much for granted.
@kalikatari
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