Covid Diaries: Love in the time of Covid

Day 7 - Sara

Returning from visiting his wife Sara's family in Italy, Tom was told to stay home for the mandatory quarantine period of 14 days. Quarantine gave Tom a well-deserved break from his daily work routine. Fortunately, he wasn't feeling any of the Covid-19 symptoms.

Lying in bed, Tom closed his eyes and tuned into the sound of the ocean crashing on the shore. Sara stood on the wet sand with one hand holding her dress high so it was safe from incoming waves. Her hair clung to her back, wet droplets on her skin glistening in the sun. She turned and  waved at Tom to join her. Folding his jeans up to his knees and putting his watch into his pocket, he jogged into the tide.

Tom opened his eyes. He stared at the time, it was almost noon. A year had passed since Sara had passed away. He clung to memories of her as if each were a friend offering comfort.  He envisioned her sitting in front of the mirror, patiently applying her makeup. She was naturally beautiful. The makeup only enhanced her beauty. She had olive skin, dark eyes and long black curly hair that fell below her shoulders. She had a petite frame, yet she exhibited strength in her poise. She could have been a dancer if she wanted.

His phone was ringing. He let it go to voicemail.

Sara always wanted to be a mother. When their baby girl arrived, she glowed with happiness and pride. They decided to name her Ellen after Tom's mother. She was now 5 years old staying with Tom's parents while he was in quarantine. She had her mother's curly hair and Tom's sharp nose and soft smile. It took a long time for Tom to admit seeing his daughter was painful at first as she reminded him so much of his wife. Thankfully, those feelings evolved to a deeper love for his daughter.

"Get up Tom", he muttered out loud. His body didn't move. A little more time, he thought and closed his eyes. He could smell bacon wafting into the bedroom from the kitchen. Tom made his way downstairs. Sara was in a white tank top and her favorite ripped jeans making breakfast. Her hair was pulled back in a bun, her arms still tanned from their vacation in Cuba.

Tom opened his eyes, it was closer to 1:00 pm now. He showered, dressed and went into the kitchen. Grabbing a breakfast bar, he put on a pot of coffee. The kitchen was a mess, Sara would hate to see it this way. Eyeing the dishes in the sink, Tom remembered his wife taking hours deciding on the plates she liked. He was annoyed that day, eager to get home to watch the Raptors playoff game. He wished now that he had been more patient with her. 

 Coffee in hand, Tom wandered into the living room and turned on the TV. Scrolling through the endless Netflix choices, he thought of their movie night tradition. Sara would get snacks ready while Tom narrowed down movie options. She always made the final decision on which movie to watch, usually landing on a horror film if possible.

Finally he decided on a sci-fi thriller and started the film. Sara hated sci-fi movies so he didn't feel any guilt with his decision.