The world before Covid-19

I lay awake last night dreaming.

I dreamt of a world where space was never something anyone thought about keeping around loved ones. Where walking in crowded cities was endlessly stimulating, without a safety threat woven into the fibers of their crowded nature, hearing snippets of conversations drifting through the New York City air. I dreamt of a world where being affectionate wasn't restricted, where giving hugs to say goodbye was the norm. A world where the beaches were full with happy faces all summer long, the creemee stands were full of overzealous little kids who couldn't wait for their sugar fix. A world where you would be confused if you saw a father trying to help his 4 year old son get his mask to cover his face properly, as they exited the safety of their car. Where a little kid getting a jump start to hug you made your heart smile, where we would go out to get pesto crepes and burgers on Friday nights and have friendly exchanges with the waitress as she gave us the food we were excited for. A world where I’d appreciate the bright smile of the cashier as she handed me my change. A world where the first day of school after summer vacation was something I took for granted. A world where the excitement of getting on a plane to go somewhere beautiful was not out of the question- getting off the plane, the warm air thanking you for dressing in clothes that were perfect for where you were headed. A world where coming home after traveling was a happy thought. A world where walking through foreign streets and seeing faces you’d never seen before was a beautiful possibility.

I dreamt of this world as I lay awake wishing it could be reality again, as I lay awake desperately hoping that that world hasn’t gone away to stay. And before I drift off to sleep, I thank the universe that I have been lucky enough to experience a world where that was my reality at all.