Is there such thing as a "normal life" to return to after this?
More than one year on and we're back in quarantine. We had hoped for a change when the vaccines were first rolled out earlier this year. But up until now, the whole country's still waiting and is on the verge of collective pandemic fatigue.
Frankly, it is impossible to recover from a global crisis in less than a year. And if it were possible, are we even ready for what's to come next? Moreover, does "normal" even exist by then?
Since when did breathing freely become a luxury? How long has it been since we last took our time at the supermarket without fear creeping over our heads? When was the last time you were lured into a patisserie by the smell of pastries fresh from the oven and decided to sit down to pair it with a cup of coffee in hand?
Brushing past strangers at the mall on a busy holiday, at a lively party, or a sold-out concert for a sweat-soaked crowd all feels like a fever dream and yet here we are, wishing for it again as we sit in quarantine.
See also: Quarantine Routine: 7 Ways To Beat Boredom At Home