Dear Corona

Chapter 3

Wednesday the 1st of April, 2020

Dear Corona,

I was amazed by the color of the sea this morning. It was dark blue, but the kind of blue that you can only see in the palette of colors we used for painting in school. I wish I could touch the ocean water. The only thing missing is the smell. I have to admit that sea water near my home in Montenegro smells even miles from the coast. The Adriatic sea is special, and you could never compare it to the ocean here, which is beautiful but without any smell. I could hear waves hitting the bottom of the ship making that specific TUM-TUM sound that makes you calmer. I was taking a nap during the announcements for crew that could go out to pick up their clothes and other things for the next few days. My time is in the evening, so I had time to imagine how I will accidentally see Matthew. That scene circles through my head, all the time, not letting me think about other things, letting me forget about all my worries, hugging me, making me feel safe and warm. All that escaping from reality just feels... good. I decided to take a look at my phone after a few scenes that I re-imagined in my head and I saw a dozen of missed calls from my mom. I almost jumped out of shock. I was thinking, what happened? Is everything okay? In that moment I felt the buzzing of my phone in my hand. It was mom.

''Hello?'', I panted trying to chase away negative thoughts out of my head.

''Where were you?'', she grumbled. ''It's 10 pm here. I thought something happened to you! Never do that again.''

''Mom. Calm down. I am alright. I was just sleeping.'', I explained with half-whispering tone of my voice.

''Okay. How are you? Is everything okay?'', she wanted to know the news. I could hear my dad singing from the kitchen.

''John. Can you stop singing, I'm trying to speak with Calvin.'', I could hear her yelling at him.

''Oh, is it Cal? Hey Cal, we miss youuu... Sweet Calvin-line... Bah-Bah-Bah...'' he started singing and my mom was mad, which made me laugh.

''I'm okay. Everything's fine for now. I will update you guys if there is any news.'', I said and I could feel the relief in mom's voice, while dad was completely relaxed.

When I finished the phone call, I lay in bed, overthinking about how parents (in my case, mom) could be so difficult sometimes. I'm not 15 anymore! I just couldn't get it out of my head for even a moment -but had my way of escape, and it was my imagination. I closed my eyes and I could see myself walking towards Matthew.

''You know I really liked that kiss.'', he would say and give me a smile.

''I know...'', I would gasp trying to catch a breath.

I would touch every inch of his face, his beard, and his hair. I would take care of him and be kind to him. All those talks about everything went through my head. Talks about the universe, music, interesting scenes in movies, art, new happenings and compliments. I imagined it all and it helped me. Then I would kiss him, but the buzzing wouldn't stop. I tried again but buzzing was stronger.

I opened my eyes and still heard that buzzing. I shook my head and stood up to see what time it was. I didn't hear any announcements. I took a look towards the clock and it was 07:45PM. Holy Moses! I just spent all day sleeping! I played some music for the next fifteen minutes, just to make time go faster. I dressed up nicely and used my new perfume that smelled like home.

Crew members from deck 8, you can now proceed to pick up your stuff. You have half an hour.

Good God, the girl who gives announcements had that kind of voice that could make you hate her without reason.

I left, and took my card key so not to lock myself out. I saw many people on my way to the old cabin, and many of them wore a masks or just cloth covering over their noses and mouths. I only wore my sunglasses, which made me look like a badass. The situation seemed a little bit scary and creepy, making me shiver a bit. When I got to my cabin, it felt gross and abandoned. That odd sewage and stale air smell, and the dust had settled on everything. I covered my nose and mouth with the collar of my shirt. I packed everything fast, taking my suitcase with me. When I got out of my cabin, I didn't see Matthew. I passed through the I-95, the crew corridor below deck. I took my time, and walking slowly, just to collect that mental strength that I will need for next 11 days. I saw Albert, who wore a mask, I smiled.

"Hi.", I said, but he looked weirdly at me and said nothing just made a distance like I was sick. I decided I won't ever say 'hi' to that asshole again. I took a few steps toward the guest elevators and I heard familiar voice. I stood still like I was made of stone. I couldn't move.

''Vacation time?'', he asked, and his eyes were greener than ever. I couldn't speak out of positive shock. I just nodded my head.

''See you soon.'', Mathew said and gave me that charming smile.

I smiled back and head into an elevators. I took a breath, feeling my cheeks getting red. I pressed number 8 and got up. People inside looked weirdly at me but for a few moments they got back to their thoughtful looks. I closed my eyes for a second. When I got back to my room I couldn't believe what just happened, but more good things were happening tonight.

A) I was even more surprised by Nora's kindness. She wrote in the group that we are her friends, and that she would do anything for us. She asked us to make a list of things that we would like to get from the shop, so she could buy them for us.

B) Nora also saw Matthew today and she said they had quick chit-chat because she was serving him. She says that he is really funny. I told her to say 'hi' to Matthew for me next time she sees him. She said she will ask him to record a video for me. I JUST LOVE HER CRAZINESS!

C) Franceska and I realized that we are on the same side of the ship, which is portside. I saw her a few minutes ago from the balcony and she was waving like crazy.

D) The whole group agreed that we are all great, and I love them.

Right now, I am falling asleep writing this. I'll let you know what will happen tomorrow. I hope Matthew will say something nice. Corona, I think maybe you are doing more good than bad things for me.

Calvin