Written by Leanne Josh Dinglasan

Come to think of it. What we had eight months ago is nowhere near our current

situation. It is so recent, yet seems to be far into the past. I yearn for those times when

there was a clear picture of what is. Who knew it would come to this? The

impermanence frightens me; how can things be so drastically different from the way you

knew it to be?

The virus. Something that tiny punched a huge void in our lives. Tell me, what is

it that you long for?

I miss that time when I can nonchalantly stroll between grocery aisles and take

time in going through the displays. Now, I am always in a hurry to get home.

I miss that time when I go to school and hang out with friends in our free time or

after class, but now, we only see each other through the screen.

I miss that time when my family can eat out at the same table together, close.

I miss the spontaneity of plans. I miss social gatherings. I miss traveling. Now,

going out is just taxing.

I miss the time when there was less worry, but now, all there is is uncertainty.

I miss talking in-person to see the genuine reactions of people. It is just not the

same online.

Most of all, I long to feel the warmth of being in close proximity with the people I

love because now, it is safer to keep a distance.

I was wrong when I thought that nostalgia is limited to anything that happened

long ago. I did not anticipate that I would be aching even for the most mundane things I

was able to do and enjoy before the pandemic. They all became distant memories.

There are things that are just better in the flesh and I am afraid that even when all this

comes to an end, things would not be the same as how it used to be.