100 Word Challenge: Distance

So… how is everyone doing? I mean, how are you really doing?

Here at my house, we’re all healthy with plenty of food in the pantry and fridge. We have an adequate (not hoarding level) of paper products and sufficient cleaning supplies. Maybe we were prophetic, but prior to the manic run on grocery stores, my Mister and I had done a big shopping day, stocking up on food that would, in the following few days, become scarce.

The one staple what we were running out of the most often was cat food. Understandable with three felines who always act like they are famished. I fixed that by ordering in bulk and having the shipment dropped at my door – four cases of canned food. That should last for a couple of months. Hopefully by then the worst of the virus will have passed.

I’m still not panicking, though I think I’m actually in a slow burn and will flame out when least expected. Everyone is staying home except for grocery runs and doctor appointments. Mister is teleworking and I’m trying to act busy. I take my dog for walks in the neighborhood only because official statements have said such activity is allowed. I give any fellow walkers wide berths should we encounter each other.

It’s eerily quiet with so few cars on the roads. I know there are several kids in my neighborhood, but I don’t see them out. On any given weekend day, they would usually be riding bikes or playing in their yards. Not now.

I need to mow, but feel like I’d be breaking the law if I did because it’s not essential. I’m even hesitant to go to the mail box. I’ll sit in my backyard trying to get some fresh air and sun, but even that seems somehow reckless.

New words and phrases continue to be added to our collective lexicon:

Shelter in place
Social distancing
Asymptomatic
Community spread
Flatten the curve
Presumptive positive

Will we ever feel safe again if we’re closer to other people than the acceptance six-foot distance?

“Distance sometimes lets you know who is worth keeping, and who is worth letting go.” Lana Del Rey

This week’s word is:

Distance

What to do:
Using “distance” for inspiration, write 100 Words – 100 exactly – no more, no less. You can either use the word – or any form of the word – as one of your 100, or it can be implied. Include a link in your post back here, and add your story to the Mister Linky list. If you don’t have a blog, you can leave your submission in the comment section, or as a Facebook status post. Remember to keep spreading the love with supportive comments for your fellow Wordsters.