As soon as I heard COVID-19 might be airborne, I popped on a mask. From that day forward I wore masks in public, both indoors and out. You could say I’m kind of practical that way.
In the beginning of the pandemic, as I went for strolls on the sidewalks near my building, only one or two other people wore masks. Social distancing occurred mostly when skateboarders swerved to avoid running over me. Gradually, as word got out about the severity of the pandemic, more and more folks sported the things. Normally-chatty strangers who used to wave hello to me scurried past in masked silence, heads down, keeping a six-foot distance.
There were, however, exceptions.
One of the fixtures in my neighborhood is a rakish young person who talks to me when I encounter them during my walks. Sometimes I see them a lot, sometimes not for months at a time. I have no idea who this person is, but apparently we’ve met. I like them a lot, whoever they are. They wear ironic t-shirts announcing things like “I’m a Creature From Outer Space.” My conversations with them are spontaneous and one-sided, with me nodding encouragingly as they banter. I’m not sure what they’re talking about most of the time, but that’s okay: that might be more about me than it is about them. They often give me unasked-for advice, which of course I appreciate. I’m very humble that way.
A couple of months into the pandemic, while out for a jaunt, I saw my quirky acquaintance across the street. Energetic as always, they lugged a large suitcase on wheels. Their garb was uncharacteristically muted, making me think they might be dressed for travel and wanted to keep a low profile during their trip.
As I stepped into the crosswalk, so did they. Although I of course wore a mask, they did not. I sidled to the far edge of the crosswalk and gave them a friendly wave.
They waved back as they passed, calling out, “You only have to wear a mask around other people.” Then they headed off into the sunset, trailing their suitcase behind them.
What bothers me most is that I don’t know if they were returning from their trip or leaving. I hope they were returning, because if even the creatures from outer space are fleeing this planet, things are very bad indeed.