Chapter Seven

Life is fragile.

A long time ago, I stopped worrying about the outside forces I can never control. I found no good reason for such insanity or headaches, for at the end of the day, it’s inevitable that whatever Must happen does happen regardless. 

COVID-19 has brought a wave of messes we had never prepared for.

Fights and disagreements were raging amongst leaders worldwide. It felt like the entire globe was on the brink of collapse, and the virus brought us down to our knees.

Hence, swift orders were issued to contain the virus, thus, by forcing non-essential personnel and the majority of the people to stay home. 

I was in Europe, scrambling to get home, when the order was set to expire at exactly midnight.

I bought my overpriced one way ticket and went through the intensive inspections at the airport. I was finally cleared to leave the country.

The clock was ticking faster than a speeding train, as I waited for the last flight leaving from Rome to my hometown New York City. When the plane still hadn’t left at 10 p.m., I got anxious looking at my watch. If I’d missed it, I’d be stranded there until the lock-down gets lifted, which could’ve been close to six months now.

The final flight I boarded left Rome a few seconds shy from midnight. 

The next morning, my company held a town hall meeting, and we were told that all of our positions will be posted for internal and external applicants. 

Downsizing inevitably happens when the economy plummets. But some companies use this as a excuse/chance to get rid of employees maliciously. 

I got back to my home office and resumed my daily tasks, deafening my ears to the bad news, at least until my access rights would be revoked.