All of My Days

Epilogue

Epilogue

"On March 17, 2020, the federal government announced new measures relating to travel, including the closure of the Canada-U.S. border to all non-essential traffic, social distancing guidelines as well as the closure of educational institutions, entertainment facilities, and several types of businesses. Dr. Bonnie Henry, our provincial health officer, clarifies directions on social distancing, noting that it is safe to go outside for walks, however social interactions must be limited to immediate family members within the same household..."

The voice of the News reporter subsided as Alex lowered the volume on the big TV screen and turned back to his audience, looking over the room full of staff.

Seri threw a worried glance at Jeong Hyeok sitting next to her at the round table, his hand twitching slightly, and she knew that he wanted to take her hand to bring her some peace, but the room full of their colleagues was not the appropriate place for the calming gesture.

"The Dean called us all in early this morning to make the announcement, the college will be turning to online education mode fully starting tomorrow, so we will be closing all offices. Please make sure to mail out everything you need to by the end of the day today and pack any equipment you might need for working from home for an unidentified period of time," he pronounced and the crowd moved, whispers and shuffles floating through the room in a wave. "If you need anything in the future, please do not hesitate to use your office supplies budget. All the software will be provided and installed by our IT team remotely and we'll talk over Zoom to discuss the work processes in the upcoming days."

He rubbed his forehead, sighing, and finished in a more positive voice.

"Hopefully, this won't be for too long and we'll be able to see each other again soon."

People flooded out of the room and Seri and Jeong Hyeok walked back to her office, brushing their hands against each other's for a lack of better option.

"Do you need any help with your stuff?"

She shook her head, looking around her office once they arrived.

"Ok, just pack it all in a box and I'll help you carry it to your car at 4. I'll need to stay behind to pack other departments."

She nodded and looked at him, her doe eyes searching for reassurance. He gave her a small smile and squeezed her hand.

"It'll be ok, it's just temporary."

He left then and Seri sat at her chair, worry taking place in her heart, their work arrangements being the least of her concern.

***

"I know it's just an official recommendation, nobody is actually going to check who you are socializing with..." Amber's voice resonated into Seri's ear through the receiver, "but my folks in Saskatchewan are health practitioners, they are at higher risk. Anyway. I am going to leave tomorrow morning, can I get your emergency car kit and a heater? I'll just need them for the drive there, I'll bring it back."

"Of course," Seri nodded absent-mindedly. "No worries at all."

Amber moved back to Regina the next day to be closer to her family during the pandemic, so Seri walked around her now half-empty apartment, gazing around the space. This all felt like a weird sci-fi movie. She wasn't sure what this pandemic situation would entail, nobody knew, the only thing she was hoping for was for it to end as soon as possible and get back to normal.

She walked by her vanity table and picked up a couple of sticky notes off the mirror surface, all of them covered in notes written in neat handwriting.