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Hunkered Down, by Don Tassone

12/3/2021

16 Comments

 
At last, it was over. No more deadly virus. No more need for masks. No more forced isolation.

When the pandemic hit, everyone scurried for cover. Life changed overnight. No more working in offices or learning in classrooms. No more going to movies or holiday gatherings. No more travel.

What an adjustment. At first, it was all so stressful. But then people grew accustomed to living online. They grew accustomed to social distancing. They even grew accustomed to solitude.

In the back of their minds, people remembered how crowded and hectic their lives had become before the virus. They were overextended, worn out. So many relationships had become fractious. Entering the world every day was like preparing to do battle.

So now that the pandemic had come to an end, most people stayed put. They had grown safe and secure in their own little worlds. Why run the risks of venturing out again? Living online isn’t so bad. Better to stay hunkered down.
16 Comments
peppermint
12/3/2021 11:56:03 am

Better to stay hunkered down..........or was it?

Reply
Don Tassone
12/3/2021 03:27:14 pm

We will see. Thanks, Patti.

Reply
Jim link
12/3/2021 03:52:07 pm

I worry there is too much truth in your story, Don. There are a lot of folks out there that have lived for these times, and don't want them to ever end. I miss smiles and shaking hands and high fives. Nice not to have to shave quite as often, though. ;-)
Nicely done
Jim

Reply
Don Tassone link
12/3/2021 06:41:24 pm

I worry there may too much truth in this story too, Jim. Thanks.

Reply
Swapan k Banerjee
12/3/2021 04:18:44 pm

Post-pandemic scenario no less deadly, it seems, Don.

Reply
Don Tassone link
12/3/2021 06:42:22 pm

Exactly. Thanks, Swapan.

Reply
Kathy K
12/3/2021 05:10:51 pm

I hope we keep the good lessons that resulted from being hunkered down. No influenza this year. We learned how to make a vaccine lickety split. Maybe we’ve put an end to pandemics even as we resume living socially again.

Reply
Don Tassone link
12/3/2021 06:49:03 pm

I am hopeful too, Kathy. Thank you.

Reply
Libby Belle link
12/3/2021 05:55:54 pm

Your story speaks to me. It flows beautifully, poetically - the illusion of being safe and secure.

Reply
Don Tassone link
12/3/2021 06:50:45 pm

Thanks so much, Libby. I'm glad this resonated.

Reply
Mary Wallace
12/3/2021 07:26:18 pm

It was the first year for me without a cold or the flu, I think I'll mask up each winter, but I'm ready to travel again.

Reply
Don Tassone link
12/3/2021 08:17:42 pm

😷✈️👍🏻

Reply
Sue Clayton
13/3/2021 05:58:20 am

Immediate family 600km away, Rest of family in UK. Will I remain hunkered down when I'm allowed to travel. Once upon a time I'd have said no way...now I'd need to give it some thought...physical visit or zoom.

Reply
Don Tassone link
13/3/2021 10:49:50 am

I understand, Sue. Be well.

Reply
phyllis souza
14/3/2021 04:35:08 pm

This story rings true. In some ways life has become easier, thanks to Amazon, and grocery deliveries. phyllis

Reply
Don Tassone link
14/3/2021 04:54:33 pm

Thanks, Phyllis. Yes, life has changed.

Reply



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