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We’re Never Getting Back To Normal Because We’re All A Little Fucked Up
I am emerging from the pandemic and I’m a mess…
I have read the words “emerging from the pandemic” in a few articles and social media posts and everyone is talking about emerging slowly and safely from the pandemic, like vampires in tuxedos rising from coffins.
But that phrase makes me uneasy. The plague hasn’t ended. We’re still counting the dead. I’m emerging from a pandemic into a pandemic.
Things are looking hopeful. I’m fully vaccinated. And yet I open my apartment door slowly. I hold my hand up to shield my eyes because the sun is too bright. I have been inside too long. I am emerging from the pandemic. I am emerging from a bunker. I am emerging from the ground like a cicada. Only I am quiet. I don’t want to draw attention to myself.
I cover my face in public. Welcome to Ninja City. Do you know who else emerged? Jesus. Jesus emerged from his tomb. He didn’t linger. No small talk. He doesn’t really visit anymore, does he?
I try to think positively. I do. Life must go on. If you happen to speak to my therapist you tell him I’m trying to think positively. I am emerging from the pandemic. I am walking in the park. I am riding the subway. I am picking up my prescriptions. I am going to…
