That one thing I wrote for class

     It was Friday, the 13th of March, when it all began to get real. I awoke at 2am, the usual, and went outside with the dog. We wandered the early morning streets, stopping only at the park to ponder the recent virus outbreak. School had been cancelled so my only worries were to get home before 4, my parents waking hours. The chilled morning breeze pushed a stray strand of my previously plaited hair into my face, instinctively I placed it behind my ear and continued with my walk. Once I returned home I placed my flannel on my bed and removed the dog's leash, the scent of damp leaves clinging to my clothing. Then, the fun began. I pulled my phone out of the well worn back pocket of my jeans and opened Wattpad. I immersed myself in intriguing stories varying from romance, to adventure, and even a little bit of poetry. I stayed in this little world soaking up every ounce of it until the clock stuck noon, my little wall clock chiming it's reminder. I reluctantly pulled myself out of my own little world of reading and set out towards the kitchen, my quest? Snacks. The little brown and white dog followed close to my heels, nipping occasionally, encouraging me to walk faster. The old hardwood floors creaked like nothing you've heard, popping every two steps, the lamps scattered around the house gave it a light yellow glow, and the smell of lunch, probably lasagna, wafted through the house from the kitchen. I stroll into the dining room, picking up a small plate of the correctly assumed lasagna and a breadstick for the dog, making the trip back to my chamber swift. I sit down on the grey suede bench at the foot of my bed, lifting a fork full of lasagna to my lips as I re-immersed myself into reading, but this time it was the news regarding the recent virus outbreak, COVID-19. Since I had last read about the virus it had become a pandemic, something that sparked my concern. Rationally thinking I finished the last bites of my lunch, going back to the kitchen to place my plate in the sink, and put on some day-clothes to head out to the store for some simple necessities. As I walk down the street once again, this time lacking a dog, I notice how quiet, too quiet, the neighborhood is, the lack of cars in driveways casting an eerie feeling. I make my way to the nearby supermarket and find the parking lot overflowing with masses of cars and people all rushing to stock up on anything and everything they could get their hands on. This apocalyptic behavior was frightening but I decide to push my way through only needing a couple of things. I find my way to the paper products, the shelves usually full of toilet paper and paper towels barren, sighing I grab the last loaf of bread and check out. I practically jog home, wanting to leave the chaos as soon as possible and return to the comfort and safety of my own home. By 4pm I'm home for dinner, I quickly shovel down what's on my plate and head to my room, picking up my dog on the way. I check my chromebook for any assignments and work on what I can before I need to take a shower, letting the hot water virtually burn my worries away, I think about how I'll preoccupy myself if we have to quarantine. The lovely all-too-famous Shower Thoughts flood my brain, never failing to amuse me as I set a solid plan. I get out of the shower, towel drying my hair, and head to my bedroom to put on pajamas. I take out a notebook, previously a sketchbook that I lost hope in, and wrote a quick list, "Draw, write, go on walks, build something, train the dog, paint, sing, practice piano, learn a new language, sleep, cook." Knowing I won't do everything on the list I get under my pile of blankets, the dog lying to my right. I fall into a dreamless sleep, knowing that everything will work out... somehow.

     (I had fun writing this, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.)