At the Frontline!

Am I really going to strip down here in the garage? In March, at night?

I shed my clothes and toss them in the designated basket. It's -3C outside, and I'm stark naked. My skin tingles as I'm hit with the cold. The thought makes me shiver. But this feels nothing when it comes to the safety of my family.

Then the key got stuck in the lock again! Just my luck. I cursed myself for not getting it fixed earlier. Finally, I made it inside.

It was the longest day at the pharmacy as we started vaccinating people against the virus. I'm exhausted, but I keep pushing through. People are scared and desperate, coming from hours away for a shot. They're looking to me for hope, but it's hard to find any myself. It was hard to keep up the cheerful facade all day, especially when wearing a mask that made it hard to breathe. But it was worth it, knowing that I was making a difference in people's lives.

As I stepped into the shower, I peeled off my mask and felt my skin crack and itch. For a moment, I felt like a superhero, fighting against the virus and doing my part to protect others. But then a nagging doubt crept in. With all the doubters and angry, the misinformed and taking-it-for-granted, would anyone remember the sacrifices we were all making? Would they appreciate the effort and hard work that went into keeping people safe?

It was a lonely fight, but one that had to be fought. I felt a sense of pride and purpose. It is my choice, and it is worth it. The fight against the virus was far from over, but I had done my part for now.

I sank into the hot water, hoping that the tension and stress of the day would melt away. Yet the hunger in my stomach reminded me that there was still more work to be done!

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