Closed are the libraries, where I used to spend most of my days. Closed are the airports, now families stay away. Closed are the schools where we learn new things everyday. Closed are the small businesses that keep our communities alive and thriving. Closed are the small restaurants, except for those who are driving. Closed are the doctors’ offices for normal checkups. Closed are the malls where we could shop.
Cancelled is our trip to see “Dear Evan Hansen,” which we waited six months for. Cancelled are summer family trips, Six Flags, Great Wolf Lodge, Disney World. Cancelled is CCAP, where teenagers get their first job experiences. Cancelled is the Class of 2020 graduation, where I was going to see my brother and sister move onto the next phase of their lives. Cancelled are the shows that we watch on TV, “Supernatural,” “One Day at a Time,” and “Stranger Things.” Cancelled are band concerts and cabaret. Cancelled are the routines of a normal day.
Gone are the hopes of having a normal school year. Gone are the hopes of joining the 2020 PRIDE cheer. Gone are the hopes of seeing our friends face to face. Gone are the hopes of a normal presidential race. Gone are the hopes of birthday parties. Gone are the hopes of a normal diet. Gone are the hopes of young kids being quiet. Gone are the hopes of having a normal day. Gone are the hopes that Coronavirus will go away.
Instead we read books online. Instead we wake up at nine. Instead we call and text our friends. Instead this time seems to never end. Instead we do a lot more schoolwork than had we been in school. Instead staying home is no longer cool. Instead we are bored all day. Instead in our homes we have to stay. Instead we play our instruments alone. Instead we have to eat at home. Instead we have birthday parades. Instead we go for walks even when it rains. Instead we get in trouble for forgotten attendance. Instead we are given math that doesn’t make sense. Instead we get mad at our families. Instead we can’t go out to see new movies. Instead we have blurry online classes. Instead we stream our Sunday masses. Instead we drink too much caffeine.
Instead we adapt to the new a quarantine routine.
Abi Ortiz is a student at West Warwick High School in West Warwick, Rhode Island.
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