When Weeks Go By

"Anne," my mom called out, she was calling me downstairs. "Your school is closed for another week," I felt excited, for the fact I would be staying home for an additional week of spring break! We were both excited. It would just be me and her since I'm just an only child. "I hope we can visit Daddy," I say in an exciting pitch. She responded in a sad tone"Well you know Hunny, he's in the military and he was deployed last summer," I sighed. "Well, we can go get ice cream!" I agreed. We got in the car and drove to Wallgreens. I was confused, "Hey, mom why are we at Wallgreens?" "So there's a virus going around and we are going to wear a mask to slow the spread, even though not everyone will wear a mask," she explained. I was going to look so stupid with this disposable medical mask on my face. "I refuse," I said rudely. "Well it's for our safety, have you seen Corona in full effect?!" she continued, "And Anne we don't have to get ice cream." I felt so guilty about what I said, I knew it was for my safety, but all my friends wouldn't wear it. "Mom, my friends won't wear a mask I-I'm sure of it." I stuttered in fear of what she'd say. "So if your friends jumped off a cliff you would too?" She said jokingly. She could have used anything but that. I just wanted ice cream. "Let's go get this mask thing over with," I said a little annoyed. Wen went into Walgreens and this was probably the last time I would ever walk into a store without a mask. It went faster than anticipated. Then we were there. Down by the ice cream parlor. I felt weird, but I knew that it was the only way to stay safe. We walked in, and everyone stared. We got our ice cream and left. A few weeks went by. I was starting virtual school. They are really serious about this Corona thing. We were in lockdown. Masks then became mandatory. It was a whole blur. Then it was May. I was down in Minneapolis shopping with my mom. We were going to visit my grandma and check in with her about this whole covid thing. She had sent my mom and me and a list of what she wants from the store. I and my mom enter to see a man getting taken away by the police. I was confused, but I minded my business. I heard screams from the crowd outside. My mom and I went outside to see what happened. An African American Man, on the side of the street held down by police. He was choking. He was being choked because of a false check, but what if it wasn't. Either way, it was scary to see who was next. I'm only 12 and I was crying. I felt responsible in a way. "Anne we need to go to grandma's, I can't watch this anymore, It's too-," My mom fainted right then and there. I had nowhere to go. I was from California so I had no clue how to get to Grandmas. She was thirty minutes away. I called the police because I didn't want the assistance of those officers. I felt like a part of my soul left my body when she was taken into the ambulance. I went with her. I was scared I can't even express it. The doctors had to break the news to me. She had passed from a heart attack. I didn't understand. There I was in the hospitle room with my medical mask my mom bought me in my pocket. I was crying on her shoulder."Why did you leave me so soon!" I cryed out. I held my mask I consider speacle now. Why I thought. "Excuse me Doctor Martin," I continued of his nod"Wheres the nearest train station I'm here to visit my grandma, or her mom, and i kinda need to break the news to her." He look sad. "Down Town Minneopolis" He responded. I thanked him and headed on my way. I was blown away by the fact my mom died right there. I had my moms wallet while we entered the store. Wait maybe I could use my moms money for my train ticket! "Hello, I'm here to buy a train ticket to south Minneapolis." I said in a fake happy tone. "Yes, cash or credit," he proceeded to ask. "Uh, credit," I said unsure. "Okay here's your ticket, your train leaves at 6:30 pm, segment A," He said like an advertizer. It was 6:20, and i have never been on a train. I was at segment A. Everyone was boarding the train to South Minniopolis. I chose the train closest to my grandmas house. I got of the train. I had to catch a cab home. I was here. The house that birthed my now dead mother. I knocked on her door hesitently. "Hi my dear, come in," she said happily. "Where are the groceries, and where is your mother?" she said confused. "Well that's what I came here to talk about..." I said. "So she had passed from a heart attack, we had came out of a store to the police ching a man," I felt parchily guilty telling her this. "Oh my god," she was crying hysterically. I felt really bad but I was trying not to cry myself. "Annalese, your grandma died a great woman," "You know she was lawyer and did a lot for the community," I told my daughter. She always wants me to tell her a bedtime story. Shes been begging me to tell her about my mom. I said when she turns 11 i would. "Mom, I'm s grateful I have you," Annalese said trying not to seem down. I gave her a big hug. "Good night sweet heart" I say. "Good night mommy" she responds. I close the door and head of to bed.