Viral Diaries (6)

March 30, 2020

South Carolina

The past few days in the house have been largely uneventful. Hayden and I continue to prepare for the baby. He works and I stay home cooking, cleaning, organizing, and going on the occasional Star Trek binge. I found a workbook from an English class I took in college, and in my down time, I've been using it to brush up on my grammar and narrative writing skills. I (somehow) managed to paint my toenails a futuristic silver, in honor of what we've decided to name our baby girl.

Hayden's grandmother stopped by the house to drop off some baby gifts. We spoke briefly (from a distance) and she went on her way. It's been a few months since I've seen her. Being in isolation makes me feel like I've taken the casual encounters I've had with my loved ones for granted. I think about the times I could have made an effort to go out, things I should have bought, or money we could have saved. I wish I could float into the days gone by, whisper softly into the ear of my past self, and urge her to act with a little more foresight.

My home is peaceful, but coronavirus cases continue to surge throughout the state. We are at 925 confirmed cases, and 18 deaths. Last I checked, approximately 50 of those cases are in my county. There are hundreds of unconfirmed tests on backlog, so those numbers will likely rise rapidly in the next coming days. Based on her symptoms, Hayden's mom was approved for drive-thru testing and is still waiting for her results. The governor has decided to close the beaches and boat ramps, but given spring break was about a week ago, it seems like the move seems like it's come a little too late. No new Marine recruits are arriving at the Parris Island base, as the COVID cases amongst those stationed there are on the rise. My doctor's office called to tell me that all my appointments would take place at the hospital instead of the doctor's office. The nurse advised that I arrive 15 minutes early to allow time to get through the checkpoint at the entrance of the building.

My grandmother and I have been spending more time together. I've finally convinced her to eat the food I make, and over dinner, she recounts her memories of growing up on a farm with nine siblings and her adventures as a mother of five. I can't keep up with so many names and birth years, but it's nice to see the notoriously guarded woman finally open up.

My cat, Lucien, has decided that he wants no longer wants anything to do with my husband. This saddens Hayden, although with as exhausted as we've been, it has somewhat of a relief to not have to fight the feline for spots on the bed.