Dark times, but I see light
I could feel the news was coming. But I didn’t want to believe it.
With only a week until opening night, we had been practicing day and night for our school play, hoping for a perfect performance.
Then after a particularly grueling 10-hour Saturday practice, our director told us that the play was canceled. Our cast of 100 people immediately broke down in tears, cries echoing in the dark hall as the musicians put down their instruments. I sat behind my drum kit, my skin stinging with the reality of what was happening.
Since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed, the situation in Indonesia has worsened. The number of new cases is increasing and unemployment is soaring, with no end in sight. Public buildings are closed, concerts cancelled, public transport shut down, and our school switched to online instruction.
It took me a while to adjust to the new system, but I’ve slowly realized that my learning experience has actually improved. Classes have become more efficient; my teachers have spent more time discussing material instead of taking attendance, and are much easier to contact after school hours. I can rewatch lectures if I don’t understand something. I’ve had enough sleep and a quiet work environment.
I’ve saved a lot of time by not commuting through three or four hours of traffic every day. With more free time, I practice drumming, cook and play videogames. I’ve also had extra time to work on my history research paper.
Still, there are things that I miss. I took the everyday for granted — participating in club activities, spending time with friends, and being able to have face-to-face conversations. I no longer get to see my brother this summer because he’s studying in the United States.
But I keep looking for blessings in disguise. Spending rainy Saturday nights with my parents has brought us closer. With our typically busy routines, I didn’t realize I was missing deeper, personal conversations about our lives, opinions and the future. We’ve recently spent time together building a hydroponic farm, going on family walks and bingeing our favorite Netflix shows over midnight snacks.
The times feel turbulent, dark and unstable, but I see light in the opportunity to reflect on the little things that really matter.