Love in the Time of Corona

7

After the Martha incident, we proceeded to buy some groceries. Although I got really pissed off about being slapped, what Kio told me as I drive got me really shook.

"You know what, Martha is very lucky. If we weren't there she would've been dead now."

"How so?"

"She was so stressed for some reasons that she never told me that she is experiencing a nervous breakdown... and she fainted because she find it hard to breath already."

I honestly don't know what to say to that so I just sighed and nodded. I can't stand the awkward silence that followed so I turned on the radio.

"Ignorance and greed is what will eventually kill us! End the dictator's incompetence now. Stand for yourselves or wait for your own damnation..." I was struck. Although I really don't enjoy meddling, whenever I notice irregularities in leadership, I can't stop my mind, mouth, and my whole beinh from being triggered. I always say that in consideration of the 'pro-government' people that I know, I will not dive into those... but seeing reports and articles that shows how incompetent a ruler is, my mind gets so messed up! I am not directly affected but thinking about those people who restlessly do their best to do good while some people have the guts to do shady things, it makes me cry sometimes.

Kio must have noticed 'cause he asked, "You good, Krys?" I simply nodded.

When we arrived at the grocery store, I rushed towards the frozen goods. I carried a bundle of yogurt. Things that I experience got me feeling like I need some comfort that only yogurt can give.

Kio pretty much did the work. I was just pushing the cart wherever he goes. I stare at the cart's content. God. It's too much. You'll see sri racha, garlic powder, bread crumbs, yeast powder, TPs, 3kilogram-bag of flour, tomato catsup, and some essential stuff.

When we walked out the store, a familiar face was approaching us, which is, I pressume, towards the door.

"Caden?"

"Hi Krys." He looks so relaxed, I wonder how he does that.

"Wow. I've never seen you for so long!" I was about to go hug him but he instantly stepped back so I just nodded.

I am not good in handling situations but the good thing, Kio is the best in times like this.


"It's been so long, indeed! Catch up soon, Caden. We're going!" He smiled so much that his eyes looked close.

"Oh, sure. Take care, Ki... and Krys." He slowly turned his glance from Kio to me. I feel like my cheeks are burning up with all the humiliation I can feel.

When we entered the car, Kio was hysterical.



"Have you forgotten what happened from the summer before last summer?"


Flashes of memories rushed in. And when I realized, the only words that came out of my mouth was,

"Oh, damn."