Studio Update 24

By: Gabriela Yareliz

Today, we had the fiercest storm. It felt almost like a hurricane. The winds were bending the trees, tangling the wires and rattling everything in sight. At one point, I had to lock myself in my bathroom to take a call from my boss because I couldn’t hear her over the howling wind and loud sirens.

In these past few days, COVID-19 has hit closer to home base. I have been home in an effort to be smart, though part of it is fear. (If we are being honest). I check the mail once a week, so they know I am not dead. I still have to take the elevator to take down the trash. It makes me nervous. Everything takes ten times longer because you have to literally strip down when you come home.

I have learned to do more facial massage from the lovely French lady. I learned to do a Brigitte Bardot hairstyle, I watched Naseem cook Persian style eggs on IG live, I led a Bible study on Easter weekend, and I finally finished Giver of Stars. The ending was my favorite part.

I have been locked inside for more than a week. It feels safe, after today’s severe weather.

It was one of those days where you feel everything wants to destroy you— from the fierce winds to the shared surfaces in the apartment mailbox hall. But then the winds calm. And all is still.

Tomorrow is another day. The mailman will come. The sun will shine. And I will start another book.