Whenever I come home early Ma prepares a sumptuous meal, but these days due to the pandemic, everyone sits quietly at home just like a piece of furniture.
I play around all day, hopping and sauntering. Ma looks wistful, and perhaps she misses Pa who is a doctor, and a big doctor because he wears a big coat- and has a long and serious face.
I am scared when he is around. I have the fear that I will be bashed if I put the TV on high volume. Sometimes he raves at mom, but she listens quietly and lets it pass.
Pa is not playful, he avoids me but brings gifts occasionally. I like him but prefer it when he is out. Ma told me he is helping the sick, and works day and night and does not come home because many lives depend on him.
Today the sun is not bright but not dark either. Compared to other days Ma is less functional today. She made the breakfast and then gazed at the ambulance siren outside which keeps hovering these days. I see her praying whenever she sees an ambulance passing through. Our house is big, with two huge balconies and I have a separate room. Since Pa stopped coming home I sleep with Ma. I love to snuggle with her and sleep peacefully. Ma cries alone but becomes better after that. She recites stories in a sense that we are the characters in it, and moves her head on the other side when she could use the word "together".
I saw a few policemen speaking to mom, and she was listening attentively and weeping on the floor kneeling. She did this post the doors got closed.
I heard the ambulance again.
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