Life in quarantine The year 2020 brought unexpected changes to our lives. The global pandemic forced governments to implement strict measures to control the spread of the virus. Quarantine became the new normal, and our daily routines were completely altered. Life in quarantine has been both challenging and surreal. The once bustling streets are now empty, and social interactions are limited to virtual platforms. The simple act of going outside requires careful planning and adherence to strict safety protocols. In addition, everyone was in the circle of quarantine and shared love for each other. This was a very pleasant situation for us. It should also be noted that after everyone was "jailed" home, it went on to test itself in the IT of the IT and blogging. But this did not happen successfully for all. The monotony of staying at home has taken a toll on mental well-being. With the absence of social gatherings and limited physical activities, many have experienced feelings of isolation and anxiety. However, the enforced solitude has also given us an opportunity for self-reflection and exploration of new hobbies. Technology has played a crucial role in keeping us connected during these trying times. Zoom meetings, online lectures, and virtual hangouts have become an integral part of our lives. Through virtual platforms, we have managed to maintain our relationships and even create new ones. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of health and hygiene. We have become more conscious of our surroundings, constantly sanitizing our hands and wearing masks to protect ourselves and others. Basic tasks such as grocery shopping have become a carefully orchestrated mission, where each step must be meticulously planned to avoid any possible exposure. In quarantine, time seems to blend together. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months. We find ourselves caught in a seemingly endless loop of sameness. However, amidst the monotony, we have also witnessed acts of kindness and solidarity. Communities have come together to support each other, whether through donating supplies or offering emotional support. As we adapt to this new way of life, we must remind ourselves that quarantine won't last forever. Scientists and researchers are working tirelessly to develop vaccines, and eventually, we will return to a sense of normalcy. Until then, it is essential to stay strong, take care of our mental and physical well-being, and support one another. In conclusion, life in quarantine has been a unique and challenging experience. It has forced us to adapt, reassess our priorities, and find new ways to connect with others. While the road ahead may still be uncertain, we must hold onto hope and remember that together, we will overcome this global crisis.

Lockdown. Here's a word that we used to associate with dictatorship, war, or, in my case, George Orwell's 1984. For a young adult, it seemed unimaginable that I would ever experience times of fear, isolation, and a skyrocketing death rate. It was even more unthinkable that we could get something out of it. Back in March, 2020, staying at home was a chance to recover from life's crazy speed. That is, for most people. Me? I had already been working at home for almost four months as an English teacher for online students in Brazil. There was little change in my routine – I was mostly sorry I couldn't go to the gym, cause I'm an endorphin junky. Of course, we all thought quarantine wasn't going to last. It then became clear we had better get used to Zoom meetings, face-masks, or, in my case, keeping a distance from my family (who wasn't following all the guidelines as strictly as I was – still am). Like all newly bakers, DIYers, yogis, I too put my energy into one task: starting my writing career. With a zillion unfinished stories on my computer and a zillion more in my head, I didn't know where to begin. After all, I was exhausted from all the jobs I had taken thinking they would lead me somewhere, when in fact they were dragging me further from my writing goals. Luckily, I received an email announcing a writing contest for eBooks. And I thought “this is it!” (in reality, I was probably thinking, “why not?”). I only had a couple of months to do what most writers take years to accomplish: finish a story and publish it. After selecting one short-story that wasn't so bad and kind of had an ending, I rewrote it, revised it, then turned it into a great eBook (with the help of my uncle to design the cover). Basically, I was the writer, agent, editor, launch team of my first book. When I sent a message to my mom, with a link for purchasing her daughter's first published book, she had to call me to make sure she got it right: “What is that link you sent me? Is that a book? Your book? How did you do it?” And I was thrilled to have finally done it! After all, I had been dreaming of this feat ever since I drew/wrote a book about a mermaid when I was seven. As a perfectionist, though, I wanted to go further. My self-published, barely revised book couldn't be my only one. That's when I decided to really pursue my career as an author (at last, I can call myself that). So I quit one of my jobs (the one as an English teacher) and started writing a new novel in 2021 – its first draft is already complete, and I'm currently working on editing it (this time, to send to a literary agent). Also, I knew that, as amazing as that eBook was (a true accomplishment for the little time that I had), I needed lots of help on how to write mesmerizing stories, pitch them for agents, build my online platform (which I'm still working on, btw), promote my future books… So, I took some free classes (remember, I quit my job) and sent my draft to a friend who reads the same kind of genre to get some feedback. What I've learned so far from this process? That it only takes a crazy pandemic to make people rethink their life choices and pursue their dreams. Kidding. Sort of. I did learn that there are many master classes, webinars, blog posts, and guides that really are helpful to writers who want to focus on this part of their lives without spending any (or little) money. So let's take those Covid-19 lemons and make some lemonade!

It all started on a very normal day of quarantine. I was sitting around and doing what I had been doing for the past few weeks. Sleeping, eating, reading, and watching TV. Nothing very productive or demanding. Then my sewing teacher sent me a link for a tutorial and a blog post about masks. The blog post asked for people to make masks and donate them to our local medical facilities because they were quickly running out. My sewing teacher had the idea for us to make a few dozen masks and donate them. It started small. My mom started asking around on Facebook if anyone had any elastic that we could buy. That didn't work out in the way we were hoping. Eventually, my mom ordered some on Amazon. I thought would be the end of it. But it wasn't. My mom's posts caught the attention of someone with a very harebrained idea. This person had the idea to start a movement. This idea was called "Operation Come Together". I was the first person to make a mask for Operation Come Together. From then on it grew and grew into something amazing. It astounded me to see how many people came together to help stop the spread of COVID-19. There were countless volunteers and even more donations. All the while I made masks. In the beginning, the need was so great that I ended up sitting at my sewing machine for three days almost non-stop. I only took breaks for food, the bathroom, and sleep. It was exhausting and got a little monotonous, but it was worth it. After that, I slowed down. I worked on masks for a few hours a day. Eventually, I started to go to the headquarters of Operation Come Together with my mom. I went a few times, but I didn't go very often. It was very risky because my little brother is immune-compromised. After a few visits, I stayed at home to make masks. After about a month had passed the mask shortage in our area was curved and the factories had enough time to make and send more out. This was at the very beginning of quarantine. Now, almost five months into quarantine, I only make masks occasionally when someone needs them. Even though the rush has stopped, COVID-19 is still a pressing issue for all of our daily lives. It takes our loved ones, cancelled school, and has caused many of our family members to lose their jobs. It is a scary time that we live in. But I believe that as long as people are willing to help and to stand by those who need it, we will get through this.

She used to sit by the sea and watch the waves dance rhythmically and lively as if they were playing a child's game. The white sea balls in the water rose and fell calmly, keeping their distance. They preferred ‘social distancing'. The sun burned like a fiery wreath. The elderly woman near the sea was reading a leaflet. She probably found it thrown away. The words of the advertisement sounded provocative. She walked into the sea, opened her arms to the sky as if she wanted to make a rainbow. She faced the sun, as if flirting with it. She was doing something that was totally hers.She danced like a ballerina, turning around, making rings with her body. She warmly greeted the hot circle of fire.The sun might turned a blind eye at her, like the famous advertisement. Even this word, if read in French, becomes vitalité. The dictionary could explain more: caractére de ce qui manifeste une santé. Indeed, she felt vitality and energy. She was possessed by a teenage vibrancy, as if something inside her had been reborn or perhaps never died. What feeling dominated her? How could she feel lonely when the Mediterranean Sea stretched out in front of her? Maybe she was celebrating something that was gone. Maybe she was celebrating something that was coming. It was so reminiscent of the movie 'La dolce vita'. She took her towel, lit a cigarette and left. Those were the summer days. These days like keeping a distance too. And now, silence or solitude?Could silence mean solitude? The children. They were adults now.They had to protect her from any risk of social contacts. Suddenly, she remembered that she had to clean the windows of the house. They were really blurry. Even the images of her imagination became blurry too. Now she could see clearly. The time was 19.10 o' clock. She saw him again passing by. Τhe air one more time swept away the brown leaves and the silence is non negotiable. The absence is obvious on his face. Every night he appeared passing by the same street. He didn't talk to her. She liked to watch him walking. She found it somehow interesting to watch people on the street passing by. His walk was quick as he passed by the palm trees.Every night, he passed by. Nothing had really changed for him. No social distancing codes or any other kind of norms. His white jacket and blue jeans seemed slightly worn and his long messy hair together with his grey beard gave the impression of a revolutionary. He was wearing a large earring that could mean a deliverance. Perhaps it could just symbolize the concept of freedom. Who was he? She wondered many times but never actually tried to find out. That was not the point… Why want to destroy the images of her imagination. He always continued his way. He lights a cigarette looking for a tiny moment at the sky. Maybe he was searching for a silence that speaks loudly. A thought seems to occupy his mind for a few seconds. He finishes the cigarette and throws the butt away, like getting rid of something suspicious. Sirens of a police car sounded remotely. A police car seemed to be getting closer. What was going on? The elderly woman was so curious now. The story began to be getting really exciting. The brown leaves together with the cigarette butt, flew away rhythmically with excitement too. The passer-by does not seem to care or feel scared of something. For him everything is so conventional. The police car stopped in front of him. Two young police officers seemed to be asking him something and then the passerby showed them something on his cell phone and then they left. He was just a passer-by. Nothing more. A passer-by in his own path. He is bored. His youth was now gone. All kinds of experiences of yesterday are always fresh to his memory. Now he was just walking. No particular direction. He does not care where to go. He lives for today. Even if today seems boring. He is a revolutionary. He is moving forward freely. The empty streets and the discarded masks do not seem to influence his thoughts. Could the ‘system' define the measure to his freedom? He used to defy all these norms in the past. Could he be different now…? The elderly woman remembered her own personal slogan ‘vitalité…' and thought that they had something in common….She always enjoyed watching the neighbors through her window. Sometimes she even wished that she could invite them to her house for a coffee but then she knew that she couldn't. Elderly people should be more careful and keep social distancing rules more strictly. She hated that. How many times would she clean the house or watch television? All programs on the television were either boring or news with all the sad information on people dying due to the pandemic. People seem to be more scared and alone than ever. But what if all humans started to feel more vitality instead of hiding themselves behind complaints and murmurs.The passer-by on the street suddenly waved at her for the first time…