Oleh :  Nur Anees Kamarudin (Melalui Program Write Up Story)

It is the end of another week, another Friday night which ended like any other nights, but not until I reached out for my phone. Wishing I could unsee what I just saw. I didn't see it coming, not this soon, at least. My heart is screaming in denial. Not too long ago, I had started planning my weekends for the upcoming test next week. Suddenly, all that don't even fit. Unsure of what to feel, I'm frustrated, worried, sad and confused, thinking about the unpredictable future. Just when I thought this semester is another chance for me at redemption, I was wrong, once again. Nothing about this pandemic is unforgettable. Seriously, how can we ever forget?

Phase one, comprehending and reacting to it. Who knew staying home can be this challenging? I think the fact that we are obligated to stay in makes it harder. There was one time where I couldn't even recall the last time I saw my dad. By the time he was home, whether it was late at night or early in the morning, either way, we would still be sleeping soundly. As grateful as I am for the blessing God has given to us, it was difficult to see how hard he was working and he was barely home.

However, ever since this outbreak, I hardly see him leave home. Sadly, he is among the hundreds and thousands whose livelihoods are affected.

It seems everyone is doing what they can to make the most out of all the time they have in their hand. It is during this time of the year we find out something rather shocking. It was my sister's hidden talent for baking. Well, things started off easy at first with a simple lemon butter sponge cake. As each day passes by the recipes got much more complex and technical which scares me that she might turn this house into a bakery sooner or later. I'm glad that didn't happen. When I see her, honestly, it amazes me at how much this pandemic has turned her into one passionate baker. If it weren't for this outbreak, we wouldn't have found out. Luckily, I didn't fall into the trap of baking and dessert making. A huge relief because we don't need another baker, not in this house.

Whatever the situation is in this house, it doesn't stop my family from going out. Almost every other day the house is left abandoned for more hours than it should be. What was once their weekly routine quickly turned into a daily activity which was quite an expected change of event. I must say my sister’s house is placed second for the most visited place after the grocery store. Jokes aside, I am glad that I get to spend a lot of time with her. Every little conversation about anything from the most common to the most random makes me feel content. It is as if I’ve been given the chance to redeem the lost moments of the past 3 years, something this pandemic has given to me that I will cherish forever. A lot of things have changed since she got married. Some things aren't the way it used to be. It can't be and won't be.

After 11 days straight stuck at home, it's time for phase two, facing reality. The time has come for me to experience the new norm of grocery shopping. It was the very same day I realised we have a tall grown papaya tree with no papayas in our little garden. How did I miss that? The sky never appeared as blue as it seems, the road never seemed to be so empty before, the two-minute car ride to the store never felt so enjoyable. It felt good to be out for a while, even if it's only going out for grocery shopping. I lined up for an hour just for three-minute shopping, unlike anything I've done before. I am not sure about others, but I'm just conscious of every second I spend in the store. The thought of others lining up patiently and sighing, waiting for their turn, it bothers me. Because I know the pain, I've been there too.

We've somehow got through the first five weeks of the Malaysian Movement Control Order (MCO). Little did we know there was something more challenging awaiting us or shall I say, for me? We've come to phase three; do-it-yourself. For the very first time, I can't help, but draw my attention to my dad's hair every time I see him and think "I did that." Especially when the result didn't turn out as I've imagined, you're practically looking at a failed product. Honestly, it's terrifying to cut someone's hair because there's no going back, once it's done, it's done. Although no one in the house has any experience, turns out I appear to be the most suited for the job. I'm sure it's because of my attention to detail and just the way I work in general. No one said anything about that, really, but I am certain that is the only explanation there is. I am glad for what has happened. Learning an art like this doesn't only help us gain an insight into the process, but at the same time help us grow a sense of appreciation towards each process that takes place.

It is a challenging time of the year or probably in history, but like any other challenges, we adjust; we adapt; we learn; as we move from one phase to another. If anything, this pandemic has taught us a thing or two about the true value of life and how to find balance in everything that we do. Well, it might not be the same for everyone; some suffered, some have gone deeper spiritually, and some have gotten more time for themselves and their family. For me, despite everything that happened, this pandemic has truly been a blessing in disguise.

Tarikh Input: 14/10/2022 | Kemaskini: 01/11/2022 | anis_akmil