Chapter Four
The next morning, Sassah was assigned to buy stocks. They're buying stocks differently from their parents. She woke up at 5am and was having her coffee in front of their television in the living room when she saw Rush packing his things. He's really leaving. She doesn't mind. She focused her attention on the television while sipping her favorite coffee.
"Auntie, uncle, thank you…. I'm leaving now." Parents nodded and said farewells too to Rush. She just rolled her eyes.
"Happy?! He left! Why are you still here?! You should leave too!" Her father yelled at her.
"Father your heart… calm down." Mother comforted father. She rolled her eyes again.
"I can't. I'll leave now to buy my stocks but not to leave this fucking house!" She replied
She went to take a bath before she left the house at 6 in the morning. This crisis changes their usual fast, instant, and noisy life. All the establishments are closed except the grocery stores, money transfer, and other utility and primary basic need businesses.
There are signs in every block that say "Do not enter if you're not from this block…" One person per family can go out by presenting a pass card like an identification card indicating that you're from that place and not from another. Only the residents can buy stuff from this market and establishments. There're supplies per residency to buy and consume, and there is even a relief pack per family.
"This is a big change, really." She thought. "If I did everything earlier than what I've planned, If I didn't consider so many things, or if I did not allow cowardice to eat me, I am not here. I am there… doing my things – my duty. Maybe this family conflict did not happen… maybe….
"Yeah, this anger issue really sucks!"
The long line and limited supply in the supermarket, ATM machine, and the wet and dry markets, she consumed three hours outside. Every person wears a mask and a meter distance to follow social distancing. Such obedient fellow, hopefully this will all end the soonest.
She finally went back home and is now arranging the stuff she bought when her father barged in.
"You're back! You think you can act like you own the house now? In your dreams!!!" He barked at her the moment he stepped in the kitchen.
"Wow, good morning too! Is this our everyday scene? Should we make each day of ours like hell here? Really?! What a terrible foe." She responded. It hurts her but she knows it's because I care for these foes. One day, I'll stop paying attention and care. They can say and do whatever they want without affecting me. She tried to ignore those words and the feelings that were eating her. She hid the pain and chose not to react at all.